During our lifetimes many of us take on voluntary roles within the community. Volunteering is more than just service. It provides us with a sense of purpose, an opportunity to connect with others and contribute our skills and experience and make a difference. Linda Brewer shares the story of her volunteering experience with the Ōtaki Carbon Forest Project – a community initiative dedicated to restoring native forest and helping our town become carbon neutral.  What a gem! Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.