Hawke's Bay Volunteers recognised at Awards

Gabby Allen inspires volunteers at Hawke's Bay Volunteer Excellence Awards Wednesday evening /Photo Paul Taylor

Hundreds of volunteers were recognised at the Hawke's Bay Volunteer Excellence Awards yesterday evening.

The prestigious event was held at Bev Ridges bar in Tamatea with over 100 people in attendance.

The awards ceremony was to celebrate and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the excellence of volunteers, who dedicate hundreds and sometimes thousands of hours every year to help their local communities.

Guest speaker Gabby Allen inspired the audience, after speaking about her work in providing thousands of children with new pyjamas and blankets over the last year.

Her work was even recognised as far as Texas USA, where a pastor wrote to congratulate her on her incredible achievements.

She worked tirelessly to create over 4000 shoe boxes of goods from Central Hawke's Bay to Wairoa, with boxes containing items from values of $20 right up to $300.

She also assisted with victims of domestic violence, helping one woman who was locked in a cupboard escape from the terrifying situation. She even went on to find the woman a new home for herself and five children.

While Allen offered inspiration, young talent also shone through, with the Youth Award going to 15 year old Elizabeth Campbell for her work at the PSEC Charity Shop in Napier.

It was said that Campbell was 'highly valued by her colleagues and always worked hard until closing.'

The Individual Volunteer Award went to Laurie Jenkin - President of Grey Power, Napier.

Lawrence said he was 'truly humbled' to receive the award and said he couldn't have done it without other members of his team.

The Team Award went to Cancer Society Help Centre Volunteer Drivers, who donated their time to driving patients who were too ill to drive themselves.

One humbled member said "We just do it because it's there, like most of you."

The Employee Volunteer Award went to Mr Apple NZ/First Choice Employment.