Carol Angland Honored for 50 Years of Volunteer Service in South Canterbury

Carol Angland, a dedicated volunteer in South Canterbury for over 50 years, has been recognized with a prestigious KSM Award for her extensive contributions to the community. Throughout her volunteer career, Angland has been involved with several organizations, including the South Canterbury Drama League, Arthritis South Canterbury, and Hospice South Canterbury.

Upon receiving the award, Angland expressed her surprise, initially hesitating to open the email that informed her of the honor. “I almost didn’t open the email, thinking it was a scam,” she remarked. “Then, after I opened it, it was actually quite a shock. I am very grateful to the people who thought I was worthy of it.” Her recognition prompted reflections on the many friendships and collaborations she has fostered over the years.

Passion for Theatre and Community Engagement

A former drama teacher, Angland has volunteered with the South Canterbury Drama League for 45 years. She has held various leadership roles, including serving as president from 2002 to 2005 and chair of the Repertory Section. Angland has also written and directed several plays, with her 2023 production, Captain Cain, receiving both local and national acclaim.

Theatre has always been a central passion for Angland, who noted, “Even from when I was very little and growing up in Geraldine, it’s just a passion that I’ve had and I just love it.” She believes that theatre offers more than entertainment, stating, “It can be thought-provoking too, and that’s what I like to think, that people are being challenged.” Her involvement in the drama league has been a springboard for her broader volunteer efforts, leading to opportunities to create skits and videos for various organizations.

Angland’s relationship with Hospice South Canterbury began in 1996, and she has since become a life member. Her roles have varied from video producer and home carer to retail assistant and biographer, where she records patients’ life stories for their families. Additionally, she co-organized the South Canterbury Wine and Food Festival and authored a history of the hospice’s first 25 years.

Commitment to Community Welfare

Angland’s volunteer efforts extend beyond the arts. In 2011, she received a Community Service Award from Arthritis New Zealand for her fifteen years of service in organizing collections for Arthritis South Canterbury. She emphasized the importance of giving back, particularly after leaving full-time teaching and becoming more aware of community needs through her work in a pharmacy.

“There’s so much need, especially in the health area,” Angland stated. “It’s nothing to do with money; it’s to do with ill health often or grief or loneliness, all sorts of things.” She encourages others to discover their passions and leverage their skills for community service. “I think what people need to do is find something they’re passionate about and use the skills that they have because everyone can help in some way,” she added. “Most people do volunteer in some way, but there’s always extra you can do, and you get far more back than what you give.”

Angland’s remarkable dedication continues to inspire those around her, reinforcing the vital role of volunteers in enhancing community welfare and fostering connections. Her journey highlights the profound impact that one individual can have through a lifelong commitment to service.