Not all of our volunteers work on the ground, but that doesn't mean their roles are no less important! This week Jenny Turner, Treasurer of Partner Housing, shares her perspective on the work we do and how she became involved.
How did you come to be involved with PHA?
I had been the Treasurer of my local church and had to finish up doing that as I went back into full time employment. I had been thinking that I would like to do some sort of giving back to the community but was not sure what. I had known Daniel Chan the previous Treasurer for a number of years but Rod approached me at Church (I had never previously spoken to him), told me all about Partner Housing did and told me that Daniel was resigning as Treasurer. He then asked me if I would be interested. I said I would think about it and went and looked up what Partner Housing did on their website myself (as I had no clue) and thought it would be a great thing to be involved with. So I said yes.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of the work?
Actually hearing about what it being done on the ground in places like PNG with the recent construction of their health clinics at Umi and the water reticulation projects in the Solomon Islands where it means more kids can stay at school in Buri.
As the Treasurer I am not involved in the projects themselves apart from seeing the receipts and moving the money in the bank accounts around! Hearing about what happens with the money and the difference it makes to people’s lives makes the numbers come alive.
Are there any challenges you've found in carrying out the recent projects with PHA?
Getting the guys to give me receipts! No, seriously not really. They are pretty good.
What does the future hold for you? What are you excited about in the work being done with PHA? I would love to see more of our funds being spent to make a difference in people’s lives. It does not help people with it sitting in the bank. At the same time we cannot spend it all at once – that would not be sustainable or responsible. I would love to see us succeed in obtaining more government grant funding even though that involves more responsibility on how we spend those funds.