Media release, for immediate release, Monday 8 April 2013

Final Days To Enter Far North’s Community Heroes Into Local Awards

Locals have just a few more days to ensure their favourite voluntary groups are part of the Far North’s biggest celebration of volunteers. Entries for the TrustPower Far North Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 12 April and there is more than $5000 up for grabs.

The TrustPower Far North Community Awards, run in partnership with the Far North District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.

The TrustPower Far North Community Awards is now in its fifth year. Last year 49 groups were entered for the Community Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff says entry numbers are low but believes there are lots of groups providing services, activities, support and events in the community and often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

“Volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to the community. We must remember that volunteers fundraise, they build and preserve things and they host events. They coordinate health support groups and they teach new skills and sports and then there are others who will even save your life and property if they need to.

These Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour some of the Far North’s hardworking and generous volunteers and it means we get the chance to share with the community all the wonderful things that this district’s volunteers are doing for the benefit of many.

One of the best ways to demonstrate the value and appreciation of volunteering in the community is to ensure these volunteers' contributions are recognised. Entering a group for the Community awards will take just two minutes of your time but it will ensure they get the recognition they deserve,” says Suzi.

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Far North Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves. But act now because entries close this Friday 12 April. Information forms are due the following Friday, 19 April.

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 runner up recipients take home $250. The Supreme Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards which are being held in Invercargill and Southland in March 2014. Last year’s Supreme Winner was Te Mira, The Mill Gym of Kaikohe.

Entry Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from Far North District Council offices or service centres, they can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards, or you can call Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11. Suzi will gladly take details of entries over the phone.

The regional TrustPower Far North Community Awards will be presented at a function on Monday 27 Mary.

www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards

ENDS

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