Community’s heroes recognised
appreciated by passengers for their caring approach and for going the extra mile. Chris and Gerry are one of the crews that take the early morning run, which departs Levin at 6am. They will often also take the 5pm run out of Palmerston North. Nothing is too much trouble for the couple, who often deliver passengers to their home in the cold winter months instead of taking them to the health centre where they would have to find their own ride home.
Chris and Gerry are the first to offer help if others are not able to work their rostered run, and are described as ‘the most caring couple anyone would have the pleasure to meet’. Gerry often shares his expertise with others in the use of the shuttle hoist and management of passengers with wheelchairs. His instructions are clear and concise and ensure that passengers are boarded safely, with dignity and compassion.
Chris and Gerry are very worthy recipients of a Certificate of Recognition.
Linda Lake’s selflessness, hard work and concern for others has meant the difference between having food on the table and going hungry for those in our community who face the greatest need.
Recognising a need in the community and not wanting to see children and young people go hungry, Linda started a food rescue and distribution initiative from her home.
She began rescuing food that would otherwise have gone to waste from supermarkets and food producers to distribute to those in need. The operation grew and so did the need.
By 2019, the initiative had evolved into Te Awahou Kai, which is now
based in Whyte St, Foxton. Linda is at the helm as the co-ordinator, with a support crew of about 15 volunteers.
As the co-ordinator, Linda organises the fundraising, volunteers, food rescue and distribution.
She sources food from her network of connections, and her success in this is illustrated by securing contributions of a staggering 1 ton of rice and 6 tons of tomato sauce.
Linda’s food sources include a hugely supportive Foxton community and producers as far away as the Manawatu¯, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.
The outreach is just as extensive with supplies delivered locally and as far as taki, Eltham, Dannevirke and the Woodville area.
Linda and the team also run Hampers for Christmas, providing hampers at a time when something special is most appreciated; and Unity in the Community. which directs new and second hand products to those in need.
Linda received a Kiwibank Local Hero Award 2019.
Known as a trusted and hardworking hero in the Te Awahou community, she is humble and insists that it is the volunteers that make it happen.
Brenda Kean has been an active member of the Horowhenua community for over 40 years, taking on executive roles with the Levin Parents Centre, Levin Pony Club and Levin Riding for the Disabled.
Joining the Levin Parents Centre in the early 1980s, Brenda prepared couples for childbirth and parenting, first as the Antenatal Coordinator and then as co-ordinator at the Levin Maternity Hospital.
A move to Pittsburgh, USA, for a year led Brenda to become a qualified antenatal instructor. She brought back a wealth of new ideas and knowledge to share.
Brenda dedicated many years to helping young people achieve their goals as a teacher, careers teacher,
and transition-to-work teacher at Waiopehu College.
She also coached hockey and mentored students who needed extra support. Later, Brenda worked on the Gateway Project, which supported students who struggled in class and needed a practical ‘on the job’ learning environment.
A keen and accomplished horse rider, Brenda served the Levin Pony Club as instructor and secretary. Later, when the hau and Levin Pony Clubs amalgamated, she became the club’s president.
Towards the end of her teaching career, Brenda’s expertise with horses and helping people who need extra support led her to Levin Riding for the Disabled. RDA works to improve riders’ mental skills, physical strength, coordination and confidence.
Before long, Brenda was leading sessions of her own while looking at improvements, efficiencies and rider safety. She worked tirelessly to provide structured goals to measure the riders’ progress.
Brenda is the life breath of RDA. She is kind, cheerful and organises everyone with precision.
Lynne McKenzie became a member of Horowhenua Breathe Easy Support Group in 2013 and was elected onto the committee in 2014.
In 2016 Lynne was elected as president of the group and remains in this position today.
Breathe Easy provides support, information and social interaction for people living with any kind of respiratory condition.
Lynne’s impact on the group was immediate through volunteering to help in any way she could from welcoming members, to assisting with morning teas and transport.
As chairwoman, Lynne shows great leadership bringing energy and enthusiasm into the group, meetings and outings. Her organisational skills and leadership are greatly valued by the group.
Not stopping there, Lynne is also a volunteer at House of Science Horowhenua, picking up and dropping off science resources to schools across the district.
Without the generosity of volunteers, this educational initiative would not be the success it is today.
Another group which has benefited from Lynne’s organisational skills is Horowhenua Grey Power. Lynne became a member in 2008 and in 2013 was elected to the position of secretary, until 2018. ¯O
The president of Grey Power notes Lynne as being invaluable as a secretary who supported him and the committee meticulously.
This award publicly acknowledges outstanding voluntary service.