Media Release, for immediate release, Wednesday 14 January2015

Time to Show Your Appreciation of Waipa’s Community Groups

Waipa residents now have the annual opportunity to recognise the dedication of their local voluntary groups – with entries for the Trustpower Waipa District Community Awards now open. Run in partnership with the Waipa District Council, the Awards are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make Waipa a better place to live.

Anyone can enter a voluntary group or organisation for the Trustpower Waipa District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

Since the Trustpower Waipa District Community Awards began in 2000 more than $74,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations, and this year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Last year fifty-one groups were entered for the Trustpower Waipa District Community Awards. Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville is looking forward to recognising more of Waipa’s unsung heroes.

“Volunteers can be found in every corner of this region but often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do. From the coaches on the side lines to the drivers of community projects that benefit so many to those that roll up their sleeves on a more regular basis.

One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering to the Waipa 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 Somerville.

Locals have until 5pm on Friday 13 March to get entries in for this year’s Trustpower Waipa District Community Awards. Entry Forms are available from Council offices or service centres or can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards. Entry Forms can also be received by calling Jess Somerville 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 Waipa District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Cambridge Soccer Club.

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