Salute a Local Voluntary Group Today

Entries for the Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards opened today Monday 17, 2014. Run in partnership with the Timaru District Council and set up as an opportunity to recognise and thank local voluntary groups and their contributions to the community, anyone can enter a voluntary group or organisation in the Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards, including voluntary groups themselves.

Since the Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards began in 2001 more than $68,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations, and this year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Last year 34 groups were entered for the Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards. Trustpower Community Relations Representative Emily Beaton is looking forward to seeing the community get on board to recognise more of these local unsung heroes.

“Voluntary groups are a formidable force of good in the Timaru community and everyday members benefit from their hard work. From the teams that work behind the scenes at community events to the supportive coaches on the side-lines to the tireless fundraising teams; volunteers are in every corner of this region but often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering to the Timaru community is to ensure volunteers' contributions are recognised, valued and accounted for.

Now you have the chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers who work hard to improve the community – just by filling out an entry form. It takes just a few minutes of your time to enter a group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” says Miss Beaton.

Locals have until 5pm on Friday 16 May to get entries in for this year’s Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards. Entry Forms are available from Council offices or service centres or can be completed online atwww.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards. Entry Forms can also be received by calling Emily on 0800 87 11 11.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education and Child/Youth Development. Category winners receive $500, runners-up receive $250 and the Supreme Winner will take home $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip for two representatives to the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards. Last year’s Trustpower Timaru District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Timoru.

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