The "tireless" work of Rotorua's volunteers was recognised last night at the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards.
Fifty-five organisations were nominated in five categories in a ceremony held at the Rotorua District Council Chambers.
The Rotorua Creative Art Trust was declared the city's top volunteer group winning the supreme award for their
work providing the annual Wearable Creations n' Colour event.
"It's amazing to be chosen," said trust chairwoman Barbara Cook "You go in there and see all the volunteers and all the great things they do for Rotorua so we take this on their behalf, it's very humbling.
"But we so enjoy what we do and to be able to work with the young people children, they are our future," she said.
"What we get out isn't monetary. I don't think anyone realises the value of the event - it's around $700,000 and a year's worth of work. We couldn't do anything without the help of Blue Light and our sponsors."
The trust received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500 prize money. They will also represent the district at the 2010 TrustPower National Community Awards in March in Tauranga and will be filmed by a TVNZ6 crew to feature in a new series called Volunteer Power. TrustPower community relations representative Suzi Luff said the group were chosen for their job of staging a professional production of the Wearable Creations n' Colour event in August.
"By hosting this event every year for the last nine years, Rotorua Creative Art Trust allows the artistic talents of local people to be showcased and shared with the community, all in the name of celebrating local creativity."
"This extravaganza of music, dance, lights, colour, and inspiration and of course the wonderful wearable creations keeps getting bigger and better - and it's so amazing because it is done by the hard work of volunteers."
Rotorua Creative Art Trust also won the Arts and Culture category.
OTHER WINNERS
Heritage and Environment:
Hannah's Bay Community Restoration Trust
Health and Well Being:
Soroptimist International of Rotorua
Arts and Culture:
Rotorua Creative Art Trust
Sport and Leisure:
Special Olympics Rotorua
Educational and Child/Youth Development:
Rotary Club of Rotorua North
