Media release, for immediate release, Friday 16 March 2012

Final Days to Enter Tauranga And Western Bay Community Heroes into Local Awards

Local community groups have just a few more days to ensure they are part of Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty regions’ biggest celebration of voluntary groups.

Entries for the TrustPower Community Awards are closing at 5pm on Friday 23 March. The Awards, run in conjunction with the Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff believes there are many groups out there still not being recognised through the Awards because they are not being entered.

“Volunteers in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty regions provide a lot of services, activities, support and events in the community and it is important they are recognised for the invaluable work they do.

We have so many fantastic people in Western Bay and Tauranga working away behind the scenes giving of their time, energy and commitment These people don’t seek publicity or the limelight but too often they remain in the shadows,” says Miss Luff.

“It only takes two minutes of your time to enter a group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” she says.

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even nominate themselves. But act now because nominations close on Friday 23 March.

Entry Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from the Council offices or service centres or can be downloaded from www.trustpower.co.nz/communitycentre . Entry Forms can also be received by calling Suzi Luff at TrustPower on 0800 87 11 11.

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Educational and Child/Youth Development. The category winners receive $500 and runners up take home $250. The Supreme Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards being held in Ashburton in one week’s time.

The TrustPower Western Bay of Plenty Community Awards will be presented at a function on Monday 23 April.

The TrustPower Tauranga Community Awards will be presented at a function on Monday 14 May.

ENDS

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