Volunteers’ efforts rewarded
Cambridge can be proud of its efforts helping others after the results of the Volunteer Excellence Awards.
Eve Boister lives in Cambridge and goes out of her way every week to volunteer.
She was named Runner Up for Youth Volunteer of the Year. She began volunteering for St Vincent De Paul at the age of 15, and is the youngest volunteer on the Fulfil Food Van.
She is now in charge of managing the food on her van run, and makes sure up to 170 children and adults receive sandwiches, fruit, milo and food parcels.
Eve recognises the disparity between the haves and the havenots and wants to be a part of the solution.
In her own words ‘‘volunteering at St Vincent De Paul is a start’’.
This award recognises and celebrates the voluntary effort of volunteers under the age of 25.
Although many of these volunteers have not been in their role for many years, the contribution of young people in our community is exceptional, and clearly deserves recognition.
Meanwhile, the Cambridge branch of Riding for the Disabled has another award to display - this time a commendation in the Team Excellence Award.
Three days a week the team of 60 volunteers provide interaction with horses to develop increased ability, independence and selfworth for over 70 children and adults through recreational riding, therapeutic riding and education.
It offers a supportive environment for those in the community who are faced with a wide range of challenges and the judges wanted to recognise their long standing success at providing emotional, social and physical benefits to those who attend.
The Volunteer Excellence Awards are an annual event hosted by Volunteering Waikato. This year there were 19 nominations for the Volunteer of the Year, four nominations for the Volunteer of the Year - Youth Award, and 14 nominations for the Team Excellence Award.
Volunteer of the Year Community organisations are encouraged to nominate volunteers so their work may be highlighted and others inspired by their efforts. These awards recognise individual achievement, while also praising all voluntary effort.