Shining spotlight on unsung heroes

After almost losing her life in a horrific car crash, Merenia Donne decided she wanted to do something to change people’s lives.

That change resulted in a charity being formed and on Thursday Donne was acknowledged, along with 12 others, with a Local Heroes award as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.

The Whanganui woman started her charity, Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa, in 2006 after a crash left her with challenging disabilities. She was rescued from the crash by her german shepherd, Nikita, which inspired the idea to help others with animals.

The KFAAA specialises in training medical support dogs for those with life-threatening conditions and has trained and provided disability assistance dogs.

Donne said she was blown away by the award.

‘‘I was absolutely stunned, then the next thing that went through my mind was ‘there’s no I in team’.’’

Each dog was worth about $50,000 but Donne said the cost was minimal for those receiving the dogs due to the generosity of others who worked with the organisation.

‘‘I think we have just over a dozen dogs out.’’

These included dogs for people with diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness.

They are also working alongside the Returned Services Association to train the first dog in New Zealand to support a veteran.

Other recipients of the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards for Manawatu were Cheryl Palliser, John Palliser, Kelly Scarrow, Tina Ngata, Robert Martin, Carla Donson, Isabelle Maloret, Mark Jackson, Keith Smith, Norma Mccarthy, Charles Quirk and Brian Noel Green.

Palmerston North City councillor Rachel Bowen said it was vital that the community continued to acknowledge people’s heroic contributions.

‘‘Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are the glue that hold a community together ... we must stand alongside one another and give thanks for their efforts.’’

For more on the Local Heroes recipients, go to manawatustandard.co.nz