Statement for immediate release, re National Volunteer Week

“Celebrating success is a vital part of voluntary work” says Ruth Gardner, Manager of Volunteering Canterbury.

National Volunteer Week will be celebrated by Volunteering Canterbury and other organisations around New Zealand from 16 to 23 June.

“This year’s theme ‘He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata’ acknowledges the life force of volunteering – the people, the people, the people – and reminds us of the richness of the cultural diversity of Aotearoa”

An important event during the week is the presentation of Volunteer Recognition Awards to people who have been nominated by voluntary organisations for the work they do in their community.  The Awards will be presented by Reverend Councillor Peter Beck on Monday 17 June at 2pm at St Mark’s Church and Community Centre, 150 Withells Road, Avonhead.  Musicians from Cashmere High School will perform Bach’s Concerto in D Minor as part of the celebration and everyone is welcome to attend.

Those getting Awards include some who have worked for the same organisation for more than twenty years, and others who have made a particular contribution to alleviate distress caused by earthquakes.  Citations for the Awards are attached.

Volunteers give freely of their time and skills.  By celebrating these people we are acknowledging the efforts of a vast network of community spirit.  During the week we will also run a seminar on ‘Successful One-Off Events’ for Volunteer Co-ordinators.

Ruth Gardner said she was delighted that Volunteering Canterbury is able to announce, as part of its celebrations for National Volunteer Week, an upcoming series of city-wide expos ‘Volunteer @ Your Place’ which will provide information about voluntary roles in local communities and neighbourhoods.  These expos, she said, will provide an opportunity for people to find out more about groups involved in their communities, and how they can be a part of what they are doing.  “It’s all about encouraging neighbourhood participation”, she said.

ENDS

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