November 12, 2015

Wellington woman inspiring change

Catherine McBride (23) was told as a young child that she’d find it hard to communicate with others due to an intellectual disability.

But today Catherine is a busy social butterfly doing her part to make Wellington a better place.

The Ngaio woman is a finalist in the Youth category in the 2015 Attitude Awards. The national awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of Kiwis with a disability.

Catherine is living her life to the fullest, playing sport, performing and helping out in the Wellington community.

Catherine likes to keep active with friends and plays basketball with Special Olympics. She’s a fierce supporter of all her teammates and has been named captain of her team for regional tournaments.

Far from shy, Catherine shines on stage. She is part of the JDK hip-hop dance crew and has performed in productions including Wake Up Tomorrow. Catherine and the Wake Up Tomorrow cast won six NZ Fringe Festival Awards in 2014 including a Best of Fringe nod.

Catherine is also a member of Active Youth, a service for young people with intellectual disabilities in Wellington. She spends time with the Active team during the week and is known for her positivity and friendliness.

One aspect of Active that Catherine relishes is Active Activists. The group works to create positive change in the Wellington community. Catherine and the other activists are concerned about accessibility around Wellington and are working to improve one particular intersection (Cuba and Abel Smith Streets). Together Catherine and her team have petitioned and presented to two committees from the Wellington City Council.

And as if she wasn’t busy enough already, Catherine also volunteers at the Kaibosh food recovery service two days a week.

Her nominator describes Catherine as “downright inspiring,” but Catherine reckons she’s just being herself.

“I haven’t had any challenges really – my family just helps me to be me!” says Catherine.

“Giving things a go, being happy and having things to do is a good way to live life.”

Catherine will find out if she has won at a black-tie gala on World Disability Day, December 3 at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

There are eight categories in the 2015 Attitude Awards: Courage in Sport, Spirit of Attitude, Making a Difference, Artistic Achievement, Youth, Junior, the Attitude ACC Employer Award and Sport Performer of the Year. The overall winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award is selected from the category winners and a People’s Choice winner and Hall of Fame inductee are also announced on the night.

Attitude Awards Trustee Dan Buckingham, a member of the elite national wheelchair rugby team the Wheel Blacks, says: “It's always an exciting time here at Attitude as we find out who the finalists are and count down to the big night. The Awards reflect what Attitude is all about – sharing stories that prove people with disabilities can overcome adversity and achieve greatness, whether that be big or small.”

“We thank our fantastic family of sponsors who allow us to present the Attitude Awards year on year. Collectively we are changing people’s view of what is achievable when someone lives with a disability.”

Dan encourages everyone to visit AttitudeLive.com in early November to see short films of the finalists and to vote for the person most deserving of the ‘People’s Choice Award’.

The Youth Award is sponsored by the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust.

Other Sponsors supporting the Awards include: ACC, Westpac, Drake Medox, Ministry of Health, Barfoot & Thompson, IHC Foundation, Air New Zealand, Lion Foundation and Invacare.

Chief Executive of ACC Scott Pickering says ACC is proud to be principal sponsor of the awards for the eighth year, including sponsorship of the Attitude ACC Employer Award and the Attitude ACC Supreme Award.

“The Attitude Awards shine a light on New Zealand’s unsung heroes. At ACC we’re delighted to support the Awards and to acknowledge New Zealanders who live life to the fullest, achieve their goals and provide role models to our community.”

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