Media release, for immediate release, Wednesday 31 July 2013

Final Days to Enter Wairoa District’s Community Heroes Into Local Awards

Locals have just a few more days to ensure their favourite voluntary groups are part of the Wairoa District’s biggest celebration of volunteers. Entries for the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 9th August and there is more than $5,000 up for grabs.

The TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards, run in partnership with the Wairoa District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.

The TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards is now in its fourteenth year with $65,000 being presented to local voluntary groups. Last year 22 groups were entered.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff believes there are many groups providing services, activities, support and events in the community and often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

“The Wairoa A & P Society, Wairoa Search and Rescue and YROA YNOT are all examples of voluntary groups that have been recognised through the local TrustPower Community Awards. And we can’t forget the Wairoa Community Development Trust with its CACTUS programme that won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower National Community Awards back in 2008.

However, there are still countless talented voluntary groups doing so much for the Wairoa District. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the people behind the various events, projects, fundraising ventures and sports programmes are actually volunteers who generously dedicate hundreds of hours to the community. We must remember that volunteers preserve our heritage and environment, they coordinate health support groups, they teach new skills and then there are those who will even save your life and property if they are called upon.

These Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour some of the Wairoa District’s hardworking and generous volunteers and it means we get the chance to share with the community all the wonderful things that this district’s volunteers are doing for the benefit of many.

Now it’s your chance to say ‘thanks’ to these volunteers who work hard for your community by entering them in the TrustPower Community Awards. It only takes a few minutes to enter a voluntary group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” says Suzi. 

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.  But act now because entries close on Friday 9 August 2013.

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Educational and Child/Youth Development.  The category winners receive $500 and runners up take home $250.  The Supreme Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards. Last year’s Supreme Winner from the Wairoa District was the Wairoa Dialysis Society Inc, represented by Gordon Preston and Trevor Lyall.

Entry Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from the Council offices or service centre, they can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards, or you can call Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11.

The regional TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards will be presented at a function on Tuesday 12 November.

ENDS

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