April 11, 2006

Thanks given for good deeds

Rae Poore spends her spare time buying fresh produce, and together with donated goods, packing it into food parcels for grateful people in her area.

For her commitment, dedication and sensitivity, she received a community award for Birkenhead/Northcote at the North Shore City Civic Awards 2005 ceremony last night.

Thirteen other people, an incorporated society, a community group and a business also received awards.

Mayor George Wood says it is important to publicly recognise the time and effort of those who play such big part in the city's volunteer network.

"They are completely selfless, and most were embarrassed about accepting an award for something they see as their community service."

As well as being the voluntary foodbank co-ordinator for St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Northcote, Mrs Poore is on the fortnightly roster to pick up calls to Interchurch North Shore, and visits house-bound older people.

The City-wide Civic Award winners for 2005 were David Ashton and Christine Cole Catley.

Mr Ashton has worked with Multiple Sclerosis North Shore for more than 20 years, as president and vice president, fund raiser, and editor of its monthly newsletter. He also established a support group for the newly diagnosed, and until recently offered himself as a model for physiotherapy students. Nominations for Mr Ashton, an MS sufferer himself, said he had never let that limit his determination.

Christine Cole Catley is a well known writer herself, but is also recognised for sharing her knowledge with aspiring writers. She established the Frank Sargeson Trust, and helped set up the Michael King Writers' Studio Trust.

The business award for 2005 was given Northcote' iconic Bridgeway Cinemas. For many years owners Heather and John Hart have allowed community organisations to hire the cinema at cost, sell their own tickets and keep the profit. Groups who have benefited include North Shore Hospice Trust, Home and Family Counselling Service North Shore and Lake House Trust.

The city's six community boards selected the recipients of the community awards, and the judging panel for the other categories include representatives of local newspapers, the North Shore Times and The Aucklander, together with Mr Wood and deputy mayor, Dianne Hale.

ENDS

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