Thirteen ‘local heroes’ honoured
They may not be sporting undies on the outside but they are Marlborough’s [super] heroes.
Thirteen Marlburians were awarded for their contribution, sacrifice and commitment to the community on Friday night at ceremony at the Marlborough Convention Centre.
Among them was 18-year-old Maddison Anderson who volunteered her time to provide gift parcels to people across the region.
Anderson, who had been volunteering her time at Care Packages Marlborough for 18 months, said it was a surreal feeling to be nominated.
‘‘It doesn’t actually feel real,’’ she said.
She had been giving joy to Marlburians despite her own challenges with depression.
Anderson said her favourite part about volunteering was seeing the look on people’s faces when they received their packages.
The care packages were filled with things like coffee cups, tea Central Blenheim will light up on Thursday from 5pm to 9pm with entertainment by the Big Kahuna, a circus extravaganza, inflatables, face painting, snow machines, skating, late night shopping, food vendors, fireworks and Santa.
‘‘It doesn’t actually feel real.’’ Maddison Anderson
and coffee, deodorant, soap, body wash, flannel, razors and baby items.
Anderson was receiving the award for the ‘‘strong compassion’’ she showed towards people in need.
The goal of the service was to make people smile and help them feel a little better, she said.
Care Packages Marlborough helped people struggling financially, with health issues, or people who needed a pick-me-up.
The Kiwibank Local Hero Awards, now in their ninth year, were created to recognise and celebrate people in the community who made a positive contribution in their region.
Marlborough’s local heroes were Kevin Moseley, Tania Silcock, Dean Marshall, Shirley Hocquard, Kathryn Margaret Webb, Donald Helman, Walter Scott, Ben Hide, Elizabeth Buttimore, Jason Walker, Mark Rea, Jennifer Anne Eatherley.
Mayor John Leggett presented the winners with their awards and commended them on their contribution to the community.
The Local Heroes Awards will celebrate one national winner at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala in Auckland on February 22, 2018.