About Us
We're a Palmerston North charity supporting vulnerable individuals,
families & whānau across the Manawatū region
About Us
We're a Palmerston North charity supporting vulnerable individuals,
families & whānau across the Manawatū region
our mission
As a non-profit organisation based in Palmerston North, Butterfly Compassion Community (BCC), our mission is to bring hope, healing, and practical support to individuals and families in need.
We believe that true change begins with compassion and that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Through community-based initiatives and hands-on care, we work to uplift the vulnerable and create lasting impact in the lives we touch, giving hope to families across the Manawatū community.
our mission
As a non-profit organisation based in Palmerston North, Butterfly Compassion Community (BCC), our mission is to bring hope, healing, and practical support to individuals and families in need.
We believe that true change begins with compassion and that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Through community-based initiatives and hands-on care, we work to uplift the vulnerable and create lasting impact in the lives we touch, giving hope to families across the Manawatū community.
If you would like to help
"Our mission is rooted in compassion, driven by community, and focused on making sure no one walks alone through hardship."
If you would like to help
"Our mission is rooted in compassion, driven by community, and focused on making sure no one walks alone through hardship."
What We Do
We work alongside over 30 social service organisations across Palmerston North and the wider Manawatū to deliver support, care packs, and community outreach. Reach out and discuss with us how we can help you.
what we do
We work alongside over 30 social service organisations across Palmerston North and the wider Manawatū to deliver support, care packs, and community outreach. Reach out and discuss with us how we can help you.
Support & Compassion
We provide care packages and essential support to vulnerable individuals, families, and whānau across the Manawatū region. These include clothing, linen, books, toys, shoes, sports gear, first-day-of-school packs, toddler packs, and baby essentials.
Our support is offered with no questions asked to anyone in need.
Sensory Kits
We offer sensory kits for neurodivergent children and sensory-seeking tamariki, giving them tools that bring comfort, calm, and aroha.
Empowerment Initiatives
Our Box Ups give every child the chance to take part in sport and activities alongside their peers. We provide equipment, clothing, swim gear, and more — encouraging confidence, inclusivity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
Community Outreach Events
We collaborate with local charities, supportive businesses, and community groups across Palmerston North. Through hui, information sharing, and outreach events, we bring people together for connection, kindness, and practical support.
Books
We believe there’s happiness in every book. Whether it’s for our youngest readers or our elderly whānau. Turn a page, pause, remember, imagine. Books offer comfort, joy, and a little sunshine. We share both new and pre-loved books and support play-based learning, growing minds, and activities that keep both heart and body active.
Toys
Our tamariki learn by doing, participating, and creating. Through play-based learning, they build confidence, imagination, and the belief that challenges can be overcome. We support this every day by providing toys, sports gear, and swimming resources — helping children learn, relax, and thrive in both mind and body.
Support & Compassion
We provide care packages and essential support to vulnerable individuals, families, and whānau across the Manawatū region. These include clothing, linen, books, toys, shoes, sports gear, first-day-of-school packs, toddler packs, and baby essentials.
Our support is offered with no questions asked to anyone in need.
Sensory Kits
We offer sensory kits for neurodivergent children and sensory-seeking tamariki, giving them tools that bring comfort, calm, and aroha.
Empowerment Initiatives
Our Box Ups give every child the chance to take part in sport and activities alongside their peers. We provide equipment, clothing, swim gear, and more — encouraging confidence, inclusivity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
Books
We believe there’s happiness in every book. Whether it’s for our youngest readers or our elderly whānau. Turn a page, pause, remember, imagine. Books offer comfort, joy, and a little sunshine. We share both new and pre-loved books and support play-based learning, growing minds, and activities that keep both heart and body active.
Toys
Our tamariki learn by doing, participating, and creating. Through play-based learning, they build confidence, imagination, and the belief that challenges can be overcome. We support this every day by providing toys, sports gear, and swimming resources — helping children learn, relax, and thrive in both mind and body.
Christmas
Xmas at BCC supports the 30 service organisations we work alongside. Our annual drive helps children aged 0 to 12 years receive a book and a gift during the Christmas season.
Help us make a meaningful difference in children’s lives this Xmas.
Pop Up Shop
Visit our BCC Friday Pop Up Shop and shop with dignity. Nothing is priced over $10. From household goods to pre-loved toys, there’s something for the whole family—because everyone deserves to feel valued.
Christmas
Xmas at BCC supports the 30 service organisations we work alongside. Our annual drive helps children aged 0 to 12 years receive a book and a gift during the Christmas season.
Help us make a meaningful difference in children’s lives this Xmas.
Pop Up Shop
Visit our BCC Friday Pop Up Shop and shop with dignity. Nothing is priced over $10. From household goods to pre-loved toys, there’s something for the whole family—because everyone deserves to feel valued.
Christmas
Xmas at BCC supports the 30 service organisations we work alongside. Our annual drive helps children aged 0 to 12 years receive a book and a gift during the Christmas season.
Help us make a meaningful difference in children’s lives this Xmas.
Pop Up Shop
Visit our BCC Friday Pop Up Shop and shop with dignity. Nothing is priced over $10. From household goods to pre-loved toys, there’s something for the whole family—because everyone deserves to feel valued.
OUR IMPACT
Since our beginnings as a Palmerston North charity, BCC has positively impacted hundreds of lives within our local communities.
Here are just a few ways we’ve made a difference:
our impact
Since our beginnings as a Palmerston North charity, BCC has positively impacted hundreds of lives within our local communities.
Here are just a few ways we’ve made a difference:
We've built a trusted network of
Volunteers
Donors
Partners
we Repurpose over
100000
items back into the community annually
we have Delivered over
2500
boxes to families seeking our help
We've built a trusted network of
Volunteers Donors Partners
we Repurpose over
100000
items back into the community annually
we have Delivered over
2500
boxes to families seeking our help
Our work supports
vulnerable whanau
elderly residents
families facing hardship across the Manawatu region
Our work supports
the Manawatu region
vulnerable whanau
elderly residents
families facing hardship
Meet The Team
We are a diverse group of passionate individuals driven by a shared purpose: to serve with empathy and integrity. Each member of our team brings unique experience and a deep commitment to making a difference. Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers supporting vulnerable families across Palmerston North and the Manawatū region.
Trina Sheridan
Co - Founder & Chair
After careers in Banking, Real Estate and selling New Builds for Latitude Homes, it was time to pursue a private passion to take over the many years of netball that had occupied my weekends.
That's how BCC became my passion for compassion, to support all with hard times, namely illness of the mind, and once my grand babies arrived, a way to thank the most amazing Doctors, Nurses and social workers supporting babies and whanau during traumatic times.
All kids deserve to feel cared for and have the same start as their friends at daycare and school. We make this happen, and are highly thankful to our donators, sponsors, and team who agree with a focus on sustainability, 90% pre-loved, 10% new.
As chair, I am the visionary minx of the Board. I have a passion to grow BCC to help everyone we can from zero to 100+ with our No Questions Asked policy. I have the most amazing trustees and committee who share the vision. I am thankful for each of them and greatly appreciate all of our spectacular volunteers. They are our true Butterflies.
Jo Donaldson
Co - Founder & Christmas Coordinator
I am the Christmas fairy and co-founder of Butterfly Compassion Community.
I am now semi-retired after years of working at Ezibuy, and many other roles! Active and still umpiring where Trina and I met as umpires over 20 years ago!
I wanted to expand my idea of helping people that need a hand up to fly again - especially tamariki !
They are my focus - Christmas is for everyone and this is my fit. Collaborating with our local Police to ensure gifting gets to those in most need and I believe now we are up to 18 service organisations we support.
I love my role as Christmas fairy, sprinkling Aroha around with new gifts where I can.
The committee has the same ethos as me - compassion, every child deserves to thrive with play-based learning.
Mikaela Bouwmeester
Secretary
Lisa Aull
Trustee & Treasurer
Anne Stowell
Bookkeeper & Craft Leader
Cherie Dean
Sensory Lead
Lara Sheridan
Operations Manager
Stephanie King
Baby team lead & Social Services Coordinator
Glenda Vandenberg
Volunteer Coordinator
Julie Pullar
Community Liaison Networker
Sarah Hancock
Donations Manager
Dale
Pop-Up Shop Manager
Get in Touch with us
We’re here to help anytime
Mail Us
Opening Time
Mon -Sat: 7:00 - 17:00
© Copyright 2026 Butterfly Compassion Community. All Rights Reserved.