Last Chance to Thank Dunedin City’s Volunteer Groups

Last Chance to Thank Dunedin City’s Volunteer Groups

Entries for the Trustpower Dunedin Community Awards close next week

Time is running out for locals to get involved in the region’s biggest celebration of volunteers, because your chance to complete entries for the 2016 Trustpower Dunedin Community Awards closes next Friday (5pm, 18 March).

Last year, more than 100 groups of volunteers were entered, and Trustpower community relations representative Arielle Monk says although there has been a steady uptake in entries this year, there are still many groups providing services, activities, support and events in the community who often go unrecognised.

“The value of volunteering is huge; we know New Zealand is a giving nation. In 2013, the World Giving Index classed us in the top ten nations for volunteering and giving,” she said. “These awards are all about finding those volunteer groups, new and old, and giving them some special attention – whether it’s the local rugby club, your kapa haka tutors or your neighbourhood watch.”

“Next week, Dunedin is hosting the Trustpower National Community Awards. I’m hoping I can let people know that the host city is more than well-represented among the ranks of volunteering,” Miss Monk said.

Last year’s Supreme Winner were the volunteers of Mountain Biking Otago (MBO), who have built kilometres upon kilometres of bike trails in the terrain around the city for economic, sport and leisurely benefit to people near and far.

MBO, led by president Chris Arbuckle, scooped a prize package including a cheque for $1,500 and fully paid participation for two volunteers in the national event next week, a valuable networking event held over a weekend. Arbuckle and volunteer Kane Fleury will present in front of a crowd of more than 100 dignitaries, fellow volunteers and spectator on the MBO’s efforts in Dunedin.

The Trustpower Dunedin Community Awards presentation will be celebrated with a function the evening of April 27 at Toitu Settlers’ Museum.

Anyone can enter a group in to this awards programme - even the volunteers themselves! Entry forms are available from DISTRICT COUNCIL offices or service centres, or online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards or the Facebook page: Trustpower Community.

The awards cover five categories: Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education and Child/Youth Development.

Historically, Dunedin has been very strong with Health and Wellbeing and Sport and Leisure entries, but slow to get nominations up in Arts and Culture. So far, there have been very few entries in this category, meaning any music clubs, festivals, community exhibitions or programmes which do enter have a great chance.

ENDS

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