Inspirational community leaders recognised

Media release
6 October 2011

Inspirational community leaders recognised by Vodafone New Zealand Foundation

Youth unemployment, Maori youth development and teen parenting are just some of the social issues which will be tackled by seven inspiring recipients of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation World of Difference programme for 2012.

Announced at a launch event in Parliament last night, the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation will pay the recipients' salary and expenses for a year while they work for the youth-related charity of their choice.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Chair Michael Stanley says the programme is about improving the health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.

"We believe in the power of community organisations to deliver programmes to help young New Zealanders achieve their potential. This group of seven inspiring leaders will make a huge impact on the lives of young people in their communities, in areas where there is the most need."

Minister of Social Development and Youth Affairs, Paula Bennett was on hand to congratulate the recipients, alongside Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners.

"In the last nine years 58 passionate individuals have won a Vodafone World of Difference Award, allowing them to continue going out into their communities and do just that - make a world of difference.

"I'm a huge supporter of the World of Difference programme, because I've seen how transformative it is for individuals, the organisations they work with and the communities around them."

The 2012 World of Difference participants are:

* Darna Appleyard - Project Manager, Te Rau Aroha Trust (Waitakere)

* Grace Taylor - Project Leader, Action Education Incorporated (Manukau)

* James Widgery - Project Manager, VisionWest Community Trust (Waitakere)

* Junior Atua-Tavai - Young Dads Support Services Coordinator, HealthWEST Te Puna Manawa Community Services (Waitakere)

* Laurie Durand - Project Manager, Rotorua Youth Centre Trust (Rotorua)

* Simon Britten - Commercial Manager, Te Ora Hou Otautahi Incorporated (Canterbury)

* Tina McColgan - Social and Health Manager, Murihiku Young Parents' Learning Centre Trust (Invercargill)

The World of Difference programme not only provides financial, but also a supportive environment where participants can share ideas, network and upskill during hui throughout the year.

"Vodafone's support enabled me to pilot an agricultural programme with at risk young men. I saw a real need for this service and the World of Difference programme gave me the resources to get the programme off the ground," says Fiona Hargreaves, of 180 Degrees Trust and 2011 World of Difference participant.

The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation has invested over $11.5 million in the not-for-profit sector in New Zealand and around the world over the past nine years, through initiatives such as World of Difference.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation World of Difference programme has funded 58 inspirational New Zealanders to deliver great outcomes the charitable sector.

Short bio's on all the 2012 participants are available on request.

For more information see www.vodafonenzfoundation.org.nz.

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