Jenny says she’s “always known her way around a kitchen, sort of.” It turns out that’s a bit of an understatement.
“Jenny has an incredible talent for baking – in fact, her scones are so legendary her baking day is now affectionately known as ‘scone Wednesday’,” says Mandy Kennedy, Bone Marrow Cancer Trust CEO.
Jenny Yee is one of the Rānui ‘originals’ – signing up to volunteer at Rānui when the volunteer programme launched in 2023.
“I found out about Rānui through Volunteering Canterbury. I’d been retired for about six months and thought now that my working life was over, I could do something for the community,” Jenny says.
While Jenny says she hadn’t done a lot of baking before then, she certainly wasn’t new to the kitchen. For the previous 10 years she had been catering manager at the Christchurch Boys’ High School boarding hostel, feeding 130 boys every day.
Now, Jenny has swapped the boarding house for the big house, turning up every Wednesday to bake in the communal kitchen at Big Rānui.
“I just see what ingredients are there, or what needs to be used up, put my music on and get to work,” Jenny says.
She admits her scones are popular, as well as shortbread and afghans.
“A lot of families come and have a chat while I’m baking. It can be sad to see them go, but it’s not sad for them because that means they’re going home, which is a good thing.
“I enjoy chatting to the families and getting to know the Rānui staff and the other volunteers. It feels really family-orientated, but that’s what Rānui is all about isn’t it – family.”
Celine Lanauze has stayed at Rānui for more than 250 nights so far. She says Jenny makes Rānui “that bit more special than it already is”.
“Jenny – I think of her and instantly the word ‘amazing’ comes to mind. I think of beautiful baking smells coming out of the kitchen. Her vibrancy and gorgeous smile lights up the kitchen,” Celine says.
Mandy Kennedy says Jenny’s commitment goes beyond her weekly baking.
“If a volunteer is away or we need extra baking for special events or to restock our freezer, Jenny’s hand goes up without hesitation.
“Her baking brings joy to patients, whānau and our team alike and her incredible warmth, enthusiasm and friendly nature makes everyone feel welcome and cared for. Jenny is an exceptional and much-loved member of our Rānui team,” Mandy says.
Jenny’s volunteering doesn’t stop at Rānui. She’s a volunteer usher at The Court Theatre and is actively involved in the New Zealand Chinese Association.
Jenny says a lot of people have helped her on her way, so it’s nice to help others.
“It keeps me connected and my work at Rānui gives me perspective on life. You see what the families are going through and it’s nice to be able to help them – even if I’m just feeding them, it’s something they don’t have to worry about. It’s nice to be able to give back and be part of the Rānui family. It’s a special place.”
L-R Lyaine, Karen and Jenny
