11 November 2015

Earthlink wins regional community awards

Earthlink Incorporated won the Supreme Award at the 2015 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night.

Earthlink focuses on social, environmental and economic sustainability, supporting clients coping with mental health or addiction on their pathway towards sustainable employment. Initiatives include NZQA accredited training programmes, recycling and horticulture services, a second hand shop and a curtain bank.

This year Earthlink expanded an innovative pilot project to divert end-of-life corporate apparel and recover the textile resources previously being wasted. 25 tonnes (approximately 36,800 garments) of corporate apparel has been recovered to date. They established "Earthlink Apparel" which has developed a range of up-cycled children's clothing and a new range of women's wear ”Space Between” in partnership with Massey University.

Shirley Cressy, CEO Earthlink Incorporated said, “Winning the community awards is such an honour; there are so many community groups out there that are doing such wonderful things in our region. This will give our volunteers, staff and clients a well-deserved boost as tonight they are all getting thanked for what they do. Our appreciation and thanks to Wellington Airport and Wellington Community Trust for their recognition and support.”

“We were really impressed with the dedication of Earthlink to supporting their clients with mental health issues, whilst also developing innovative programmes that are making a positive impact on the wider community and environmental sustainability,” said Steve Sanderson, Chief Executive of Wellington Airport.
“The Community Awards celebrate and support the volunteers who provide a vital service to our region’s communities and once again we have been impressed by the calibre of groups that have been nominated for an award. We hope these awards keep up the inspiration for people to volunteer or give back to their local community in some way."

This year a new Rising Star award for emerging groups was presented, with The Shed Project from Kapiti taking the honours.

“The Rising Star Award was introduced this year to recognise the amazing new initiatives that are happening in communities across our region” saidMark Cassidy, CEO Wellington Community Trust, which supports the Awards in partnership with Wellington Airport. “It is inspiring to see new groups taking positive action about issues that affect the wellbeing of their families and whānau. We are pleased to be able to support their work through the Awards.”

Wellington Airport also awarded five local high school students with $3000 scholarships in the Wild at Heart Spirit Awards. These winners demonstrate self-motivation in service to their community and college.

The five finalists for the Supreme Award were:
• Hutt City – Earthlink Incorporated https://youtu.be/PNmU25660ys
• Upper Hutt – Expression Arts & Entertainment Centre https://youtu.be/4PhEQ0VHRpo
• Kapiti – Kapiti Coast United https://youtu.be/H5FvZ5xeA4A
• Wellington City – Letting Space https://youtu.be/NT1fNfW6o0I
• Porirua – Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust https://youtu.be/e5QfvuGrlYM

ENDS

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