Recognising the efforts of volunteers

HELP ACKNOWLEDGED: Awards were presented this week to individuals and teams nominated for their work in the community's voluntary sector. The event was hosted by the Gisborne Volunteer Centre and marked International Volunteers Day on Monday, December 5. Picture supplied

A strong sense of comradeship, goodwill and solidarity connected the volunteers who gathered together on Monday at a function to celebrate International Volunteers Day.

The Gisborne Volunteer Centre hosted the event, which saw the presentation of awards recognising the efforts of volunteers in our community. Twenty-six nominations were received from a wide range of organisations.

The awards acknowledge different strengths and skills that volunteers bring to their chosen organisation.

Staff and board members of the Gisborne Volunteer Centre read out the profiles for each of the nominations and Mayor Rehette Stoltz presented the certificates.

International Volunteer Day Awards 2022

Te Hiringa Award (volunteer who shows perseverance, energy, determination, inspiration and vitality): Katrina Maira Reedy (TaiTech), Lynne Boulter (Hospice Tairāwhiti) and Lucy Peipi (Gisborne Volunteer Centre).

Dame Whina Cooper Award (new volunteer who guides, governs and leads with integrity and vision): Nigel Mead (Gisborne Volunteer Centre) and Anja Pusch (The Nest Collective).

Heart and Soul Award (volunteer who adds value to the team and brings positivity to the work environment): Jackie Hughes (Hospice Tairāwhiti), Moana Ruru, Tatum Phillips and Lisa Verde (all The Nest Collective) and Sam Su (Gisborne Volunteer Centre).

Great Impact Award (solution-focused volunteer who makes an extraordinary impact in the organisation, the community or the planet, through their volunteer work): Briar Wilkes (The Nest Collective).

Behind The Scenes Award (volunteer who keeps the wheels turning efficiently, completing essential work behind the scenes): Bonnie Scandlyn (board of Alzheimers Gisborne), Rochelle Taewa (Gisborne Toy Library), Jean Hillyard (Hospice Tairāwhiti), Kendall Bramwell (The Nest Collective) and Clara Maru (Gisborne Volunteer Centre).

Mahi Aroha Award (volunteer who serves their community through their activities): Tom McGregor (Gisborne Volunteer Centre) and Terri Hokianga (The Nest Collective).

Better Together Award (team that achieves great things by working effectively together): The Nest Collective volunteers, Gizzy Kai Rescue volunteers, SPCA Gisborne Op Shop volunteers, Growing Through Grief Eastland companions, Sherwood Club volunteers, ETC committee (Evolution Theatre) and Gisborne Park Run volunteers Sarah Dymock and Alison Moorcroft.

■ The theme for this year's International Volunteer Day was “Solidarity Through Volunteering” with the message that volunteering is where compassion meets solidarity. Both share the same core values — supporting each other from a position of trust, humility, respect and equality to inherently recognise the power of volunteering.