REWARD FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering Waikato will be rolling out the red carpet and showcasing some extraordinary volunteers in June. Nominations are open for the 2018 Volunteer Excellence Awards. Each year, Volunteering Waikato hosts the Volunteer Excellence Awards. These awards highlight the volunteer effort that goes into helping not-forprofit groups achieve their potential. It recognises individual and team achievement, while publicly acknowledging all voluntary effort. Organisations can nominate an individual volunteer, including a separate category for youth volunteers. There is also a volunteer team, such as project teams, your board of trustees, or a group of volunteers who carry out a vital function in your group. This year Volunteering Waikato will also introduce Long Service Award. ‘‘This year Volunteering Waikato celebrates our 25th anniversary,’’ said general manager, Heather Moore. ‘‘We will be presenting an award to a volunteer who has been giving their time in the community for 25 years.’’ Any community organisation in the Waikato can make nominations, which close April 20. The awards will be held June 22, at Wintec. To make a nomination, visit volunteeringwaikato.org.nz