Quietly tucked away in the back room of Dress for Success Hamilton, wrinkled clothes are turning into smooth garments with careful puffs of steam. Shirts, dresses and trousers move under the steady guidance of Dianne’s practiced hands. She has been volunteering with Dress for Success since 2023, but her journey with volunteering began in a much different setting at the Hamilton Zoo.
At first glance, it might seem like caring for animals and steaming donated clothes have little in common. For Dianne, there is a clear link, and that is passion.
When speaking about her volunteering journey, she emphasised the importance of choosing something you truly care about. At the Zoo she discovered how rewarding it felt to give her time to a cause she loved. Then in 2023, Dianne found herself in a position to volunteer but this time her passion had changed.
During her professional career, Dianne had worked alongside women, helping empower them to succeed. She had really enjoyed those moments, so when looking for her next volunteering role, she began researching organisations that support women. Her search led her to Dress for Success Hamilton, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women into employment by providing professional clothing and career development support.
Soon, Dianne was volunteering during her lunch breaks. At first, she had planned on being a stylist working directly with clients, but with her full-time work the timing just didn’t quite fit. Instead, Dianne along with the team came up with a different opportunity, steaming clothing for clients and for Rosey, Dress for Success’ boutique shop and pop-up sales.
It might not have been the role she first imagined, but it has been the perfect fit. Dianne’s openness to trying something different shows her flexibility, and her care and attention to detail have become a huge asset to the organisation. She expressed how much joy she feels when helping people, even in a background role. She sees how crucial these roles are, and how the work she does behind the scenes creates a direct link to the confidence and dignity women feel when they step out in their clothing.
For Dianne, it is never just about filling a role. It is about giving her time and skills where her passion lies. Her advice for others is simple: give back because you can. Find something you are passionate about, and do something useful with your time. Be willing to change your ideas and expectations, because volunteering might not always look how you think.
Through her story, Dianne shows that every contribution matters – whether it is front-facing or behind the scenes – and that passion, flexibility, and care are what make volunteering so powerful.
