Tue 22 Mar 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The Red Cross have highlighted the story of a trans woman in their latest campaign ‘Together we can make a big difference’. Tamsin Matthews, who manages two Red Cross shops, is one of the faces of this year’s annual appeal. Matthews volunteered as a shop coordinator for three months before accepting a paid position, working between the Kilbirnie and Upper Hutt Red Cross Shops. General Manager of Social Enterprise Gareth Dawson says Tamsin is a fantastic ambassador for Red Cross. “She is a charismatic and engaging person who personifies (and identifies closely with) our Fundamental Principles –which provide the framework for the values of the organisation,” he says and describes her as a people person who has developed strong connections in the local community. “She also manages two highly regarded Red Cross Shops, which provide an essential presence in the community and a welcoming environment for a diverse range of customers, staff and volunteers.” “Tamsin was not chosen for the campaign because she is transgender, but I am proud of her courage and honesty in speaking about her own situation and gratified that we have an environment at Red Cross that enables people from all walks of life to feel safe, welcome and empowered.” We work hard to provide opportunities for our staff and volunteers to grow within Red Cross – and have a diverse mix of confident, colourful, creative and community minded individuals that cherish the experience of helping in our shops.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 22nd March 2016 - 11:26am