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May 2026
Sara M., Peer Support Mentor
"As a mum of a thalassaemia warrior, I wished I'd had someone to talk to. Now I am that someone."
Monthly profiles of the people who give their time and heart to make this work possible.
Event Volunteer · 3 years with Muskaan · Auckland
"I started volunteering at a single blood donor drive in 2023. I'd just moved to Auckland and was looking for community. I thought I'd give a Saturday. I'm still here three years later.
What kept me? The people. The way Vivek shows up for every volunteer like we're the most important person in the room. The kaupapa, knowing what we're building matters. And the laughter. People don't think a health charity is funny, but ours is.
My advice for new volunteers? Just say yes to your first event. The rest sorts itself out."
"As a mum of a thalassaemia warrior, I wished I'd had someone to talk to. Now I am that someone."
"Two hours a week translating, and I know I'm making it easier for whānau to understand their own care."
"I organise the annual sausage sizzle for our church. We've raised $14k over three years."
"As a GP, I teach community workshops. My patients in this community understand more about their own genetics now."
"I help with social media. Three hours a week, fully remote, fits around my parenting."
"I bring Muskaan to my workplace. Quarterly lunch-and-learns. Our staff giving pool funds two peer mentors a year."