Rotary honour for mentoring pioneer
One of the founding forces behind mentoring organisation Big Brothers Big Sisters has been honoured by the Rotary Club of Nelson.
Ross Newman, who is the board chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman, was awarded a certificate of appreciation at a Rotary awards night last Thursday.
‘‘I feel pretty chuffed about it, there’s no question about that,’’ Newman said.
He received the award for his contribution to the growth and development of the mentoring programme in the Nelson Tasman region.
‘‘Because our [Rotary] club has had an involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters from the start, I guess they perceive it’s an appropriate recognition for a Rotarian.’’
He’d been chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman for the last five years, and through his work with Rotary was part of the group that, with police, set up the programme.
‘‘I guess I have quite a history with the organisation.’’
He found it ‘‘easy to give time’’ to the board, given the more than 200 people who gave time and energy to volunteer with the programme which supported young people in the region.
The award recognised the value and importance of providing young people in need with a guide and mentor.
‘‘The thing the organisation does best is be very careful in terms of matching the young person with their mentor, and includes the families to ensure everyone knows what’s going on.
‘‘I guess the heart of it is the care for the young person.’’
Newman’s role involved finding resources to support staff, which could be an ‘‘ongoing battle’’.
However, they’d successfully secured both community and commercial sponsorship which continued to be vital to the organisation.
Newman has taken the award into the Big Brothers Big Sisters offices, where it will find its home from now on.
‘‘It’s very much the result of a team effort... [the staff] recognise it’s an award for the organisation as much as for me and are pretty happy with that.’’
Several other awards were handed out at the same event.
Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to Nelson Rotary Club members Gerrit van Asch and Brian Wilkie. Alan Winwood and Gavin Calder both received sapphire pins for their contribution to the community and the ideals of Rotary.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese was presented with a district Paul Harris Fellowship for her contribution as a community leader.
The final recipient of the evening was Alison McAlpine who was presented with the prestigious Sir Jack Newman Award in recognition of outstanding commitment to the community.