The Community awards story
Over 60 people gathered together to celebrate the work of seven Award recipients who are doing great voluntary work in our local community.
District Governor, Sarita McLean, joined us to present a District Paul Harris Award to the Mayor of Hurunui, Winton Dalley. The District were honoured to be able to present this Award for his outstanding work in the Hurunui District. We surprised him by inviting his family along to celebrate with us and to acknowledge the work of our Award recipients.
A year on since his last address to our group Winton gave us an update as to life post earthquake in his area and acknowledged the great support from Rotary and other organisations. Representing a large farming community and the effects on the families, productivity and future his area has had its share of suffering. However, being the resilient Cantabrians that they are he can now see a way forward albeit a slow one and would continue to work alongside government agencies to bring about the best results for Hurunui residents.
We were also joined by six other people whose work in the community was recognised by our Papanui Club and President Lois and DG Sarita handed out the Community Awards recognition certificates.
From gardening and maintenance work, Tourette’s family support, disabled children childcare, environmental walking tours, events coordination and practical neighbourly help in the Northwood community, to elderly care we covered all the bases.
The room was buzzing with many conversations and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming to the many people who joined us for the event.