Bald Angels claim top prize
The Bald Angels Charitable Trust took home the top prize at the Trustpower Far North Community Awards at Te Ahu in Kaitaia on May 23.
Trustpower Community Relations Representative Abbie Siely says the Kerikeri-based group stood out for its multifaceted approach to community care.
‘‘Bald Angels contributes to the wellbeing of more than 200 families and 1000 local children every year through fundraising events that bring the community together in the spirit of generosity and goodwill.’’
The Bald Angels - which also won the Health and Wellbeing category - works in the background to support agencies like Northland Corrections, NZ Police, Plunket, Women’s Refuge, St John and the NZ Fire Service. They collect goods from those who are able to give and redistribute them to those in need via organisational touchpoints – and the impact has been huge.
‘‘From Christmas toy and food drives, to planting community gardens, to working with young artists, these angels are everywhere,’’ Siely says.
The group will go on to represent the district at the 2017 Trustpower National Community Awards, which take place in Queenstown next April.
Bald Angels founder Therese Wickbom says she was ‘‘surprised and chuffed’’ to receive the award.
‘‘We were totally gobsmacked. It’s really nice for all the people who supported us, our partners, sponsors and all the people who’ve trusted us. The award is just as much for them as it is for the Bald Angels. It’s an amazing community and without the community none of it would have happened. So it’s for everyone.’’
Other Trustpower Far North Community Award winners were: The Far North SPCA - Heritage and Environment, Aliesha Whitehead - Youth Community Spirit Award and Kerikeri International Piano Competition - Arts and Culture, Kaitaia Basketball Association - Sports and Leisure and Bay of Islands Coastguard - Education and Child/Youth Development.
‘‘The Far North is always so well represented on our national stage and I’m certain this year will be no different. We cannot wait to meet up with this group again in April to learn more about their story and hear about the joy they continue to bring to their community,’’ says Siely.