Media Release, for immediate release, Monday 25 June

Searching For Clutha’s Local Heroes

Entries for the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards opened today (25 June), giving Clutha residents the opportunity to recognise the dedication of their voluntary groups.

The Awards, which are run in conjunction with the Clutha District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make the Clutha district a better place to live.

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville believes that the role of volunteers is increasingly important, and hopes the community get in behind them this year by entering them for a Community Award.

“The commitment made by volunteers in the Clutha district is readily seen in the extraordinary work being undertaken in the area. Volunteers power countless groups in the community and I’m looking forward to learning about what these volunteers have been achieving and I hope to see the community come on board and recognise these unsung heroes,” said Miss Somerville.

“These voluntary and community groups do so much to make a difference in the lives of others and the overall spirit of the community. Entering a group for the TrustPower Community Awards will take just two minutes of your time, but will be an enormous boost for the group you are recognising,” she said.

Last year 22 groups were entered for the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards, but Mrs Somerville believes there are many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition

Since the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards began in 1999, more than $63,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations, this year a further $5,250 is up for grabs.

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/communityawards. Entry Forms can also be received by calling TrustPower Community Relations 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. Category winners receive $500, runners-up receive $250 and the Supreme Winner will take home $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards in the Far North district next March.

Entries close on Friday 24 August.

ENDS

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