Time Running Out To Recognise Volunteers

16 August 2012

Time Running Out To Recognise Volunteers

Local community groups have just over a week to ensure they are part of Clutha’s biggest celebration of voluntary groups.

Entries for the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards are closing at 5 pm on Friday 24 August. The Awards, run in conjunction with the Clutha District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.

The voluntary group named this year’s Supreme Winner at the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards will attend the 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards, being held in the Far North District in March 2013.

Typically, TrustPower and the Council receive around 30 entries for the Clutha Community Awards.

Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan is calling for the local community to get behind the Community Awards.

“The Clutha district is supported by hundreds of community and voluntary groups who go out of their way everyday to make the Clutha district a better place to live, work and play. These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the dedication of these groups,” says Mayor Cadogan.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville is pleased with the number of entries received to date, but also acknowledges there are still a large number of groups out there whose hard work has yet to be acknowledged.

“The work of local voluntary and community groups is seen in every corner of the Clutha district from sports teams to health providers to St John to youth groups. One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering is to ensure volunteers' contributions are recognised, valued and accounted for,” says Miss Somerville.

“The TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards are a great opportunity to recognise these wonderful groups,” she says.

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 Overall Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards.

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves. But act now because entries close on Friday 24 August.

Entry Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from Council offices or service centres, by visiting http://www.communityconnect.co.nz/enteronline or you can call Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11.

The Awards will be presented at a function on Monday 8 October, to which all entered groups will be invited.

For more information on the TrustPower Community Awards please visit www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards.

ENDS

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