FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cathy McGregor becomes YMCA Hawke’s Bay Life Member
At the Annual General Meeting of YMCA Hawke’s Bay life membership was presented to Cathy McGregor. She is the first woman to receive this honour in the Hawke’s Bay YMCA.
Cathy has been a dedicated member of the YMCA since June 1984. Firstly as a staff member, and then from 1990 as she became a member of the Board of Directors. When the Napier and Hastings YMCA’s amalgamated in 1994 Cathy was part of the decision making process.
She is a past President/Chairperson and also served a term on the YMCA National Board of Directors.
Cathy spoke about the enjoyment she had got out of the many years being part of the YMCA and how her role had changed through the years. From initially working as a volunteer, then as a education tutor, in childcare and most other positions where there had been a need. Cathy is currently a Real Estate agent, but volunteers for the YMCA in the capacity as a Trustee on the Board of Directors and she also enjoys taking the youth and holiday programmes on tramping expeditions.
YMCA National President Russell Leach and National CEO Ric Odom thanked Cathy for the many years of service and congratulated her on becoming a life member.
In his speech Ric Odom highlighted the current resurgence the YMCA Hawke’s Bay is experiencing that include their Youth4Youth youth programme, Y-Force volunteer programme and their 15 OSCAR Holiday Programmes. As a result the YMCA currently employs 45 permanent staff and up to 30 casuals through the School Holidays. Ric pointed out that this would not be achievable without a strong governance and capable and dedicated staff. There is also excitement regarding other new initiatives on the YMCA Hawke’s Bay horizon with recreation and education starting soon.
Simon Cowan, who stepped down as president after two years in office at YMCA Hawke’s Bay, presented Cathy with her plaque to commemorate the occasion.
At the first board meeting after the AGM the following officers were elected. President Eileen von Dadelszen, Vice President Paul Hursthouse and Treasurer Austin Mortimer. Other Board members elected were Ross Duncan, Cathy McGregor, Zac Makoare, Shelley Te Uki, Emma George and YMCA HB Youth Council President Nicole McKerrow.
ends