City rewards volunteers for years of unsung effort

Volunteers in Hamilton have been awarded for their hard work and effort. Photo / Thinkstock

Hamilton resident Merv Kelman did not expect to get an award for his volunteer work because the "free clothes and free food" were more than enough for him.

Mr Kelman is among 13 Hamilton people being recognised for giving time to voluntary work in the sports, community well-being, education, animal care, environment and arts and culture sectors.

Retired Hamilton Zoo worker Peter Smith, who spent 25 years looking after the city's birds and reptiles, and one of Waikato University's founding teachers, emeritus professor Theo Roy, will also be acknowledged for their long service at a council ceremony this morning.

Mr Kelman retired as principal of Koromatua School 15 years ago, but his diary is as hectic as ever with time going to the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Lions Club, of which he's been a member for about 25 years.

When he can't be found at the Citizens Advice Bureau helping people to iron out neighbourhood disputes or money issues, the 73-year-old is driving a converted golf cart to ferry patients between buildings at Waikato Hospital.

He also puts his teaching experience to use by writing the newsletter for Hamilton Seniornet, a computer training programme run from the Celebrating Age Centre aimed at over-55-years-olds.

Mr Kelman was a bit embarrassed at being approached by the Herald about his voluntary efforts.

"It's a bit unnecessary. You get your clothes and you get your food and that's enough for me. That's the thing about doing volunteer jobs. It's not like working for a business.

"If you say you're away for a month, you can just go and someone else covers for you.

"It comes up in the newspaper and I think, 'I wouldn't mind doing that'."

Mr Kelman also gave his time for the rowing world championships last year and the Rugby World Cup in September.

Waikato District Health Board spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill said the hours put in by the hospital's 200 volunteers were extremely helpful.

She said the shuttlebug service for which Mr Kelman is a driver is a big benefit to patients, particularly as the hospital is undergoing a $430 million redevelopment over the next 10 years.

"If we were to spend money on ferrying people around, that would be taking money out of the health bucket."

The chairman of Hamilton City Council's civic committee, Martin Gallagher, said the civic awards reflected wonderful service given to the community.