13 June 2012
YMCA Hawke’s Bay scoops four national excellence awards
For the first time in its history, YMCA Hawke’s Bay took home four major awards at the national YMCA conference held in Wanganui at the weekend.
The awards are given to those regional branches of the YMCA that have excelled in delivering youth programmes and recognise the work and commitment of the local teams.
YMCA Hawke’s Bay CEO Peter Andersson is justifiably proud of his team’s achievements. “It is the first time the Hawke’s Bay YMCA has been awarded which in itself is a great milestone, but to receive four awards is fantastic,” he says.
The four awards are:
‘The Y That Catches The Eye’, an award for a special event that lifts the Y’s community profile and credibility, was awarded to YMCA Hawke’s Bay’s ongoing breakfast events. At the two most recent breakfasts, Barrister Lynda Kearns spoke about her two decades of working with domestic violence cases; and Commissioner for Children Dr Russell Wills spoke on his response to the Government’s green paper on Vulnerable Children. Hundreds of guests who work with youth and children attended the breakfasts.
Early Childhood Education manager Virginia Wilson was awarded Certificate of Merit for ‘Leading by Example’ as the leader of her team. She has transformed the YMCA Hawke’s Bay’s Early Childhood Education so that it now fully meets the needs of the community.
The George Briggs Youth Award was given to Y-Force Volunteer Programme that caters for over 60 volunteers providing them with valuable work experience, which grows their confidence and builds their skills.
And the ‘Innovation in a New Programme’ was awarded to YMCA Hawke’s Bay’s Motocross Holiday Programme. The programme, lead by a selection of New Zealand motocross champions, has been an incredible hit and places are filled quickly each holiday. The emphasis is on developing each child’s riding by individual coaching based on their skill level.
“The awards confirm that we are on the right track, and our programmes are making a real difference in the lives of Hawke’s Bay youth and children,” says Peter.
ENDS