Problem Gambling Foundation staff member awarded QSM in New Year Honours

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) is proud that one of their staff was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the 2010 New Year Honours.

John Wong, National Asian Services Director at PGF, was awarded the QSM for services to the ethnic community.

Graham Aitken from PGF says it is wonderful that John has been recognised for the outstanding contribution he has made to the ethnic community.

“Asian Services at PGF started over ten years ago and over this time, John has worked tirelessly and passionately to make a difference and reduce the harm caused by problem gambling in Asian communities,” he says.

The service started with only three part-time staff providing a telephone service in Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean to Asian communities in Auckland.

John Wong has been instrumental in developing the service to what it is now – a dedicated team that provides a nationwide free phone and face-to-face counselling service in many languages – Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Khmer.

John says he was surprised but honoured to receive the award.

“I am working with such a dedicated and hard-working team so I am sharing this honour with all of them,” he says.

John Wong, will be presenting on gambling in Asian communities at the 2010 International Gambling Conference being held in Auckland at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 24-26 February.

ENDS

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