About Butterfly Compassion
Community Support in Palmerston North
We’re a Palmerston North charity supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and whānau across the wider Manawatū region. Discover how Butterfly Compassion Community empowers lives through support, outreach, and care. Meet our team and see our impact on vulnerable communities.
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’d like to help, visit our Support Us page to get involved.
Our mission is rooted in compassion, driven by community, and focused on making sure no one walks alone through hardship.
Our shop is open 9am-12pm Tuesday-Friday and 3pm-6pm on a Monday in the summer months.
Nothing over $10 – cash, bank transfer and eftpos available.
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 and 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 and 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
Mikaela Bouwmeester
Secretary
Lisa Aull
Trustee and Treasurer
Lisa Aull
Trustee and Treasurer
Anne Stowell
Bookkeeper and Craft Leader
Anne Stowell
Bookkeeper and Craft Leader
Cherie Dean
Sensory Lead
Cherie Dean
Sensory Lead
Lara Sheridan
Operations Manager
Lara Sheridan
Operations Manager
Stephanie King
Baby team lead and Social Services Coordinator
Stephanie King
Baby team lead and Social Services Coordinator
Glenda Vandenberg
Volunteer Coordinator
Glenda Vandenberg
Volunteer Coordinator
Julie Pullar
Community Liaison Networker
Julie Pullar
Community Liaison Networker
Dale
Pop-Up Shop Manager
Dale
Pop-Up Shop Manager
Sarah Hancock
Donations Manager
Sarah Hancock
Donations Manager
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.
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:
- Delivering over 2377 Box Up to families seeking our help
- Supporting over 30 service organization.
- Sustainable landfill success, repurposed 50,000 items back into the community within a six month time period.
- Built a trusted network of volunteers, donors, and partners working together for good
Our work supports vulnerable whānau, elderly residents, and families facing hardship across the Manawatū region.
“Without BCC, I don't know where I'd be today. They showed up for me when no one else could.” - Sophia
Join Us in Spreading Compassion
Together, we can do more. Whether you’re here to lend support, seek help, or simply learn about what we do,
welcome. You’re part of the community now.
