Volunteers Week
This week is Volunteer Awareness Week, a good occasion to recognise all the unsung heroes in our community.
Most people probably don’t realise just how much we depend on volunteers. Whether it’s coaching a sports team, surf lifeguards or doing meals on wheels for the elderly, more than a million New Zealanders volunteer in some way.
As local MP I get to see a lot of this in action – people choosing to help others when there’s nothing in it for themselves.
Just look at the successful health shuttle between Levin and Palmerston North that is driven by volunteers.
The tree planting at the Otaki River this week will also involve a large group of volunteers determined to beautify this area for future generations to enjoy.
The Volunteer Kapiti kiosk has just opened in the Kapiti Community Centre to coordinate people and match them with the right activities. You can pop in or phone them on 04 905 8884.
Another great example of volunteers is at Otaki Fire Brigade. Last week they won a major Health and Safety Award for a remarkable invention by the late Warren Lauder.
Mr Lander designed and built a rapid extraction beam, which makes it easier and safer for fire fighters to help injured people out of car wrecks.
It’s a great example of Kiwi ingenuity, and they were recognised at the New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards 2010. The ceremony was held in Auckland with TV host John Campbell presenting an award.
He was so impressed that the Campbell Live show came and filmed the Otaki Fire Brigade this week. Well done team.
It’s sometimes easy to overlook the dedication and commitment that so many people display every day. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers locally that make a real difference in our communities.