INSPIRING GROUP OF FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

New Plymouth, 12 November, 2015 – International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) announced this week that a group of 12 international volunteers have been selected as finalists for the 2015 IVHQ Volunteer of the Year Awards. This year, the Awards are celebrating the inspiring efforts of volunteers who are making important contributions to communities at home and abroad. The IVHQ Volunteer of the Year will be determined by public vote with the winning nominee receiving a scholarship to volunteer abroad on one of IVHQ's community projects.

The 2015 IVHQ Volunteer of the Year Awards attracted hundreds of nominations and these have been narrowed down to 12 finalists - a passionate group of volunteers from the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Ranging from 18 to 47 years old, these volunteers have demonstrated exemplary commitment to supporting community projects within their local communities, or while volunteering overseas.

From developing sustainable vegetable gardens to provide affordable and nutritious meals to students in Canada, to driving fundraising initiatives to supply water filtration units to medical clinics in Guatemala, these volunteers are supporting sustainable community development initiatives at both a local and global level.

The volunteer abroad scholarship will be awarded to the volunteer with the most votes and this will give the winner the opportunity to experience and contribute to an IVHQ project for two weeks. The cost of return airfares to the destination of the winner's choice will be covered thanks to the support of STA Travel, and the award will also include a travel insurance package from World Nomads. Voting opened on Tuesday and will run for a period of two weeks, closing at midday NZST on Tuesday 24 November, 2015.

USA-based finalist, Ian Ferguson, is embracing his nomination for the Volunteer of the Year Awards as an opportunity to build on his international volunteer experience and is seeking to participate on IVHQ’s Wild Elephant Conservation project in Sri Lanka. The University of Denver student has been an active volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Organization and is currently developing a curriculum to implement at schools in low socioeconomic areas of Denver, focused on educating students on the importance of staying in school.

Fellow finalist, Abigail Zeitler of Texas, is passionate about inspiring the spirit of volunteering both locally and internationally. “Volunteering is necessary in your hometown, just as it is abroad. My work in Africa inspires me to help create change all over the world, but that doesn't detract from my work in my community because there's need in Austin as well. I serve others every single day in the hope that we can create a world where helping others becomes an integral part of our lives,” shared Abigail.

IVHQ Executive Director, Daniel Radcliffe, explained that the focus of the Awards this year is to celebrate the best examples of volunteering and community involvement. “Wherever you are in the world - whether it’s Nairobi or New York, there are always opportunities to support social or environmental development initiatives. IVHQ volunteers are making meaningful contributions on our programs year-round, but the contributions they’re making within their hometowns are equally admirable and we want to celebrate volunteerism on a local and global level through this year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards,” he said.

To view the profiles of the finalists and cast your vote for IVHQ Volunteer of the Year, visit: www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-of-the-year/2015.

ENDS

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