Where sustainability and kindness go hand in hand

Published on 23 September 2025

With support from Palmerston North City Council’s Resource Recovery Fund, Butterfly Compassion Community is making a big impact. It's turning everyday donations into lifelines for locals in need, all while keeping thousands of items out of landfill. 

Acting Manager of Resource Recovery, Natasha Hickmott, says the charity’s impact is incredible. 

“Since January alone, it's redistributed more than 54,000 items to people facing tough times, everything from clothing and bedding to mattresses, shoes, toys, and even specialist sensory items for children experiencing trauma or anxiety. Nothing goes to waste. If something can’t be given directly, it’s creatively repurposed, like turning old fabric into rags.” 

Recently, the charity received a Resource Recovery Fund grant of $7,700 to support its Winter Wellness programme and help expand its workspace. Natasha says the partnership is a natural fit. 

“It’s incredible to see how donated goods, from something as simple as a tea towel to a child’s toy, can become so meaningful. It shows us that sustainability and compassion go hand in hand.” 

Butterfly Compassion Community is a whānau-based organisation run by mother-and-daughter duo Trina and Lara Sheridan, with the help of a tight-knit group of volunteers. Their philosophy is simple. Anyone, of any age, race, religion, or background, deserves support when times are tough. 

“We work on a ‘no questions asked’ policy,” says Trina. “When someone needs help, they get it. It’s as simple as that.” 

Every week, requests come through from more than 40 partner agencies such as Women’s Refuge, Kāinga Ora, and hospitals. Boxes are carefully packed to meet people’s unique needs, covering everyday essentials so whānau can focus on getting back on their feet. 

For Trina, every package is about more than just the items inside. 

“Each box is really a message that someone cares. It’s a way of saying, ‘you’re not alone, you matter'.” 

Lara agrees. “We see the difference a warm blanket or toy can make at a tough time. That’s what keeps us going.” 

Although currently based in Palmerston North, the organisation’s reach is growing, with service organisations across the wider Manawatū region already reaching out. Their vision is to partner with councils and businesses to ensure more people get the help they need, when they need it. 

“We believe in our sustainable model and know it works,” says Trina. “Compassion and sustainability go hand in hand, and together with like-minded people we can make a difference across the region. At the heart of it all, it’s people, it’s people, it’s people — he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” 

Helping hands are always welcome

While grateful for the steady flow of community donations, demand remains high, and Lara says extra helping hands are always welcome. 

“We’d love to connect with local organisations that do staff volunteer days. Sorting donations or packing boxes may seem simple, but it makes a huge difference.”

For more information about Butterfly Compassion Community and how you can support, visit facebook.com/butterflycompassioncommunity

For more information about our Resource Recovery Fund, go to pncc.govt.nz/resourcerecoveryfund