Media Release, Monday 1st September, 2014

Strictly embargoed until 8:00pm

ILT Kidzone Scoops Top Award

ILT Kidzone has won the Supreme Award at the 201 Trustpower Invercargill Southland Community Awards.

The Awards were announced and presented tonight (Monday 1 September) at a function at the Invercargill Civic Theatre.

For winning the Supreme Award, ILT Kidzone received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. ILT Kidzone now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in Wellington in March 201.

In total, Trustpower has given away over $5,000 to various community groups through tonight’s Awards.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says “Invercargill is a growing city. Volunteers make it a vibrant place assisting with not only social service roles but also running events like Kidzone and Polyfest.”

Mayor of Southland District Gary Tong stated that “Volunteers are the backbone of many small rural communities. They are the glue which holds communities together and allows so many things to happen.”

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Emily Beaton added that the ILT Kidzone “Is the perfect opportunity for the community to get together, enjoy some family time and it is the volunteers behind the event that make it so memorable.

The event is about sharing experiences and creating memories and the volunteers are the ones in the background encouraging families to try new things.

This years event saw the highest number of volunteers register in the ten years that ILT Kidzone has been running with 300 volunteers registering, many for the full six days.

ILT Kidzone is the perfect example of community spirit and we can’t wait for them to share their story at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards,” says Miss Beaton.

The competition for this year’s Trustpower Invercargill Southland Community Awards was strong with 47 groups entered for the Awards.

Other winners at tonight’s Trustpower Invercargill Southland Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment
Commendation: Kia Mate Toa
Commendation: YMCA Invercargill – Youth Leadership Programme
Runner-Up: Bluff Hill Motupohue Environment Trust
Winner: Stewart Island/ Rakiura Community and Environment Trust.

Health and Well Being
Commendation: Victim Support
Joint Runner-Up: Invercargill Cancer Society Supportive Volunteers
Joint Runner-up: St Vincent de Paul Society
Winner: Hospice Southland

Arts and Culture
Winner: Takitimu Patchwork and Embroidery Group

Sport and Leisure
Runner- up: ASSET Programme
Winner: Winton Rotary

Education and Child/Youth Development
Runner-Up: GirlGuiding Southland
Winner: Riverton Youth Focus Group

Supreme Winner
ILT Kidzone

Youth Spirit
Winner: Natasha Belling, James Hargest College
Runner up: Grace MacRae, Northern Southland College
Finalist: Ethan Burgess, Southland Boys’ High School
Finalist: Ella Wilkins, Southland Girls’ High School
Finalist: Ashleigh Hoten Walker, Central Southland College

Please find attached a full citation for all recipients.

The Awards are being presented at a function this evening, Monday 1st September, at the Invercargill Civic Theatre, starting at 6pm. Media are welcome to attend.

© Scoop Media