Media Release, Tuesday 12 September
Strictly embargoed until 8:00pm

Fitzherbert Lions Club Take Out Supreme Award

The Fitzherbert Lions Club, with their Tour de Manawatu Cycle Challenge has won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Palmerston North Community Awards.

The Awards were announced and presented tonight (Wednesday) at a function at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.

For winning the Supreme Award, Fitzherbert Lions Club received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. Fitzherbert Lions Club now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Far North District in March 2013.

In total, TrustPower has given away over $5,000 to various community groups through tonight’s Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge says Fitzherbert Lions Club is bringing together people from all over the community to participate in a healthy activity while raising significant funds for other community groups.

“The flagship fundraiser for the Lions Club of Fitzherbert is the Tour de Manawatu Charity Cycle Challenge. This cycle challenge has a range of routes for people of all abilities ranging from 20 to 116 kilometres and held each year on the first Sunday in November. Over 1,000 riders take part in this wonderful community event.

Understandably, this annual event requires the co-ordination of a diverse set of people, doing different tasks in different project areas. The volunteer committee made up of around 23 people meet monthly and take on different roles ranging from publicity, finance, sponsorship, course preparation, registration and liaison with expert groups for traffic safety.

Thankfully the volunteer committee has a group of over 100 volunteers to draw on. Prior to the big day around 70 volunteers are trained in how to marshal riders. One of the many evening workshops sees volunteers filling “rider packs” with energy snacks, brochures and donated items from the public. Registration for the event is completed mainly online, but 12 volunteers are in charge on the day of taking registrations, answering questions and distributing the rider packs.

This event showcases the beautiful Manawatu countryside and attracts people of all age’s right around the country. We are guessing this has a huge economic benefit for the region and is instilling the idea that Palmerston North District is a bike riding destination.

Major recipients of funds of this event in the past have been the Life Education Trust, Child Cancer, Palmerston North Street van and Riding for the Disabled. In 2012 the event aims to purchase an inflatable rescue boat for the Palmerston North Surf Lifesaving Club.” says Mrs Partridge.

The competition for this year’s TrustPower Palmerston North Community Awards was strong with 54 entries received for the Awards. .

Other winners at tonight’s TrustPower Palmerston North Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Pit Park People
Runner-Up: Monarchs in Apollo Park

Health and Well Being
Winner: Just Zilch
Runner-Up: Manawatu Multicultural Council
Commendation: Crewe Community Garden
Commendation: St John’s Friends of the Emergency Department

Arts and Culture
Winner: Abbey Musical Theatre
Runner-Up: Rugby Museum Society
Commendation: Jorjaz Dance Crew

Sport and Leisure
Winner: Manawatu Mountain Bike Club
Runner-Up: Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club

Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Pacific Educators
Runner-Up: Pascal Street Community Trust

ENDS

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