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Volunteer spotlight: Ying Liu

Ying LiuQ: What was your first impression of World Vision?

I first heard about World Vision many years ago from a friend at church. And of course I knew that World Vision was one of the largest charities in New Zealand. I was curious about how such a large organization can operate based on charity – just people being nice. I thought to myself, “How does that even work?”

Q: Tell me how you came to volunteer for World Vision?

I started volunteering for World Vision in July 2009. After running my own business for a while, I was looking to do something different. I currently volunteer two days a week in the Auckland office, using my experience in graphic design to help create marketing materials for World Vision. I am also pursuing a MBA at the University of Auckland.

Q: You have been involved with some major advertising and marketing agencies in New Zealand, and have even managed your own business. With such a wealth of professional experience, why work for World Vision for free?

I look at the world and see that it is made up of people and resources. Being from China, I have seen my share of poverty. I know that resources are not always distributed fairly. Children do not deserve that unfairness; they have not chosen to be born into poverty. I have had a passion for helping fight this injustice from a very young age. I was involved in fundraising while at school in Blenheim.

In tough situations I often think of the children World Vision are helping – it’s their lives that are really tough. I think that if most people examined their lives closely, they would find time and resources they could offer to people that are really in need.

Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering in the World Vision office?

I understand that most volunteers do not get to interact with World Vision staff on a regular basis. Being able to freely communicate with the staff here has really helped me understand how to best volunteer my time and skills. The staff at the Auckland office are all such great people. Although I have primarily been involved with the engagement team, I have enjoyed working with people across many departments.

Q: Tell me more about what you have been working on for World Vision?

Most of the projects I have been working on have been in collaboration with different departments around the office. I have designed materials for World Buddies and other educational resources that World Vision provides to families and schools. Lately I have been working with volunteer manager John Currie on creating resources for regional volunteer groups.

Q: Has your experience as a volunteer changed your perception of World Vision?

Yes! Before I started volunteering in the Auckland office I had a limited understanding of how World Vision actually operated. But over the last year I have been amazed to learn how much work goes into the child sponsorship process. It takes hundreds of people and dozens of procedures to ensure programs run smoothly and funds are used effectively. Also, I now have the knowledge and confidence to talk to friends, many of who have negative perceptions of World Vision, about how poor communities are being transformed.