Media Release, for immediate release, Monday 24 February 2014

Salute A Voluntary Group Near You Today 

Waitaki residents now have the annual opportunity to recognise the dedication of their local voluntary groups – with entries for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards now open. Run in partnership with the Waitaki District Council, the Awards are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make Waitaki a better place to live.

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

Since the Trustpower Waitaki District Community Awards began in 2012 more than $6000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations, and this year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Last year 114 groups were entered for the Trustpower Waitaki District Community Awards. Trustpower Community Relations Representative Emily Beaton is looking forward to seeing the community get on board to recognise more of these local unsung heroes.

“Voluntary groups are a formidable force of good in the Waitaki community and everyday members benefit from their hard work. From the teams that work behind the scenes at community events to the supportive coaches on the side-lines to the tireless fundraising teams; volunteers are in every corner of this region but often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering to the Waitaki community is to ensure volunteers' contributions are recognised, valued and accounted for.

Now you have the chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers who work hard to improve the community – just by filling out an entry form. It takes just a few minutes of your time to enter a group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” says Miss Beaton.

Locals have until 5pm on Thursday 24 April to get entries in for this year’s Trustpower Waitaki District Community Awards. Entry Forms are available from Council offices or service centres or can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards.  Entry Forms can also be received by calling Emily Beaton on 0800 87 11 11.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education 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 for two representatives to the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards. Last year’s Trustpower Waitaki District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust.  

ENDS

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