VOLUNTEERS VITAL TO SAFE ENJOYMENT OF THE OUTDOORS

Celebrating International Volunteer Day, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council acknowledged the vital contribution its more than 1,400 volunteer instructors make to the outdoor recreation sector.

Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter said that the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council was fortunate to have the support of a large pool of dedicated, well trained volunteer instructors to deliver the outdoor safety message into their local communities.

“We would like to thank the many Kiwi volunteers who willingly give their time to enable others to enjoy the outdoors safely – from youth leaders, teachers, instructors to local tramping guides. Without a doubt, many people, particularly young people, would not have had the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors if it had not been for the dedication and willingness of volunteers to share their knowledge and experience. Volunteers play a vital role in giving the skills and resources people need to participate safely outdoors.

“Earlier this year, we were proud to establish the Mountain Safety Council Outdoor Excellence Volunteer Award to recognise the contribution of volunteers to safe outdoor recreation.

“The inaugural recipient Angela Anderson was given the award for her outstanding contribution to girl guiding in the Auckland region. Angela is a terrific example of the many volunteers who regularly donate their time and energy to their community and give people positive experiences of the outdoors. Volunteering is incredibly rewarding experience. We encourage those with skills and passion to take the opportunity to pass on their love of the outdoors to someone else.

“The Council supports volunteers by providing training, advice and resources. It has a major role in training outdoor leaders from other organisations so they are furnished with the skills and knowledge to safely lead outdoor activities.

“Providing volunteers with the opportunities to safely participate in the outdoors and to lead thers is one way the Council is supporting the community and working towards safer participation in the outdoors,” said Mr Carpenter.

To become a Mountain Safety Council volunteer, contact your local Mountain Safety Council branch or contact Jane Hoedemaeckers. Contact details for branch offices and information on outdoor safety can be found on the Council’s website http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz .

Honour to Trish Hanlen

One of the Bay of Plenty’s most well known and respected members of the social work and teaching fraternities and champion of voluntary workers, Trish Hanlen, was awarded the NZ Order of Merit in June this year when the Queen’s Birthday Honours were bestowed.

Trish’s list of community service and achievements in the governance, management, leadership and advisory roles as well as the “hands on” work spans from1983 and includes serving in communities of Tokoroa, Invercargill, Rotorua and Tauranga.

The true spirit of contributing to community is researching and identifying the needs of the community, enlisting the necessary resources, implementing and helping initiate new projects or changes, then handing over to able successors. Trish Hanlen has given to her communities in this spirit and her altruistic, outstanding services have not gone unnoticed. The honour conferred on her is richly deserved.

RNZFB thanks its volunteers

Today the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind would like to acknowledge its thousands of volunteers who support our cause in so many ways, through volunteer driving, puppy walking, narrating talking books and helping our members with daily tasks. Thank you for making a difference!

Alison Marshall
National Manager Volunteer Services / Locality Co-ordinator
Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Te Tuāpāpā o te Hunga Kāpō o Aotearoa

Meet our Dunedin Stars

THE stars were out last night, as about 150 people gathered to celebrate Dunedin’s unsung heroes in an awards ceremony hosted by The Star at the Dunedin Railway Station.
Wax Preston, Emma Rosevear, Netta Noone, Felicity Prescott, Sharon McKenzie and Cory Sutherland were named ‘‘Dunedin Stars’’ for 2008 in The Star’s fourth annual awards celebrating our city’s volunteers.
The awards evening at Scotia Restaurant in the Dunedin railway station was attended by nominees, their nominators, Allied Press management, Star staff and invited guests.
Star editor Helen Speirs, Dunedin Deputy Mayor Syd Brown and, via a pre-recorded video, new Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Turia addressed the audience at the event, held in the week of International Volunteer Day, December 5.
For the full story and pictures, click on the heading "Meet our Dunedin Stars".

Canterbury Playcentre thanks it volunteers

http://www.canplay.org.nz/

http://playcentre.org.nz/

Canterbury Playcentre is saying 'Thanks" to is volunteers with a BBQ on Saturday 6 Deceber. Throughout Canterbury there are over 1000 volunteers who assist in making our organisation run. They start at the top with the parents of the 50 centres in Canterbury throught to the time given by Association staff each year. There are thousands of hours given my mums, dads, grandparents and extended whanau volunteering to make our centres run smoothly

International Volunteer Day at the YWCA

On International Volunteer Day 2008, 15 members from Stace Hammond's Auckland and Hamilton offices are volunteering at the YWCA of Hamilton.

Volunteers will be getting their hands dirty with a spot of painting and some light gardening. Alongside YWCA volunteer drivers, SH staff will also help deliver Mobile Meals to 100 elderly, ill and injured recipients in Hamilton.

Earlier in the week, on 1st of December, the YWCA Board volunteers organised the inaugural World AIDS Day BBQ/picnic at the Hamilton YWCA. Margaret Walden, YWCA, Geoff Ruaine, New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Jane Bruning, Positive Women were guest speakers at the event. Over 200 balloons were released at the end of the event to remember those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Thousands of volunteers have generously contributed their talents and time to support the YWCA since it was established in Hamilton 65 years ago. The YWCA would like to say a big thank you to all those who volunteer at the YWCA.

IVD events in Mid and South Canterbury

Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury are working to ensure volunteers are recognised in our community.

Morning tea is provided at Community House where our office is based – along with other voluntary groups. The tea is provided by Senior Citizens.

At 10:30am there will be a speech from the Chairperson of Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury – recognising the work done by volunteers within the South Canterbury region.

10:45am Certificates will be presented

From 10-12pm FREE health checks will be provided to volunteers, from Aoraki Primary Health Organisation. This will include Blood pressure checks, heart information, diabetes, smoke-free, nutrition and more information relating to health and well being.

Within the region:

Ashburton is having a Community Services EXPO, at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre from 12-5pm. The publicity material is provided by Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury.

Geraldine Community Resource Centre – Te Rito, is also displaying material to promote volunteering.