Project Butterfly lands top award

ANelson charity set up to help parents who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a child has won the Supreme Award at the Trustpower Nelson Tasman Community Awards.

Project Butterfly was named the over-all winner at a function at the Rutherford Hotel on Tuesday.

The charity was founded by Rebecca Malthus and Adam Hicks after they tragically lost their 14-month-old son, Mac, in 2012.

It supports parents who have lost a child by providing them with art, workshops, food banks, counselling and introductions to other parents going through the same tragedy.

The organisation has also fundraised extensively to build a special memorial pathway in Fairfield Park providing families with a peaceful place to grieve that isn’t a graveyard.

Project Butterfly won a trophy, certificate and a $1500 contribution to its work in the community.

Other award winners were: Heritage and Environment – Commendation: Founders Heritage Park Front of House Volunteers; Runner-up: Brook Waimarama Sanctuary; Winner: Natureland Wildlife Park. Health and Well Being – Commendation: St John Ambulance; Commendation: Nelson Tasman Newcomers Network; Runner-up: Nelson Host Lions Club; Winner: Nelson Tasman Region Hospice. Arts and Culture – Commendation: Nelson Youth Council; Joint runners-up: Golden Bay Community Arts Council and Takaka Citizens Band; Winner: Vision Motueka. Sport and Leisure – Commendation: Tasman Regional Sports Event Trust; Commendation: Nelson Tasman Positive Ageing Expo; Runner-up: NelSun Underwater Hockey Club; Winner: Bowls Murchison. Education and Child/Youth Development – Joint runners-up: Golden Bay High School Home School Association and Society of St Vincent de Paul Nelson Area Council Vinnies; Winner: English Language Partners Nelson. Nelson Award: Age Concern Nelson. Tasman Award: Golden Bay Community Vehicle Service Trust or ‘‘Wrinkles Express’’. Youth Spirit – Winner: Tullia Wilson; Runner-up: Emily Narbey; Finalists were: Jared Kirk, Katie Barham.