Charity volunteer gets nod
National Volunteer week runs from June 17 to 23, and Volunteering Waikato is taking the opportunity as a chance to recognise one of their own.
Cliff Norton from Hamilton has been nominated for the organisation’s Volunteer Excellence Awards on Friday, June 22.
For the past five years Norton has volunteered with the Cancer Society as a driver, using his own car to give free transport to cancer sufferers and their families.
This enables them to get to and from receiving treatment at Waikato Hospital and attending their range of medical appointments.
Norton’s voluntary work relieves the Cancer Society’s clients of the pressure and stress of finding a way to get to treatment, parking their cars and driving when they may be feeling unwell.
They have hailed Norton for being a warm, caring and patient person.
He is often requested specifically by name when they call the Cancer Society to ask for a lift.
‘‘Cliff is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know,’’ volunteer development manager Nicola Bowe said.
‘‘He doesn’t just provide transport; he provides the companionship of a trained and professional volunteer willing to provide a friendly face and listening ear.
‘‘This can be particularly significant for those clients trying to overcome the fear of their diagnosis.’’
Bowe said in 2017, without hesitation Norton drove to Auckland to aid a woman who needed transport to an urgent and essential operation.
He wasn’t concerned about the length of the journey; only that the woman would make it to the appointment.
Bowe held that up as an example of how Norton was willing to go above and beyond to help those in need, and made him a great example of a selfless volunteer.