Annually, Volunteering Waikato - Te Ohu Tuuao O Waikato host the Volunteer Excellence Awards to celebrate volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution in our community. This year's awards will be held on Thursday 22 June, during National Volunteer Week - Te Wiki Tuuao aa-Motu - an opportunity to thank volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand, for the difference they make and the impact they have on our communities.
The YOUTH category celebrates individual volunteers aged 25 or under, and the nominees are:
ABBEY ROBINSON
Abbey has volunteered with Recreate Waikato since 2022 and is great at removing barriers for our youth to be contributing members of society. She brings a great sense that it is not ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ but everyone is valued for their abilities. Her positive attitude and can-do spirit has been infectious and she has become an inspiration to our youth.
Nominated by Recreate Waikato
ADAM COX
Adam has volunteered with Evolve Peer Support Trust since 2022 as a Support Group Facilitator. He has a great sense of humour and is genuine and authentic in his openness and the way he works with others, providing hope for a different future for participants. He's passionate about what we do, and he brings it every day!
Nominated by Evolve Peer Support
BETH ALLWOOD
Beth started logging her volunteer hours with the Student Volunteer Army in 2020 and regularly volunteers 20 hours per week. She has onboarded and managed over 200 volunteers and organised events for Rise for Lives, to create awareness of the plight of people in conflict-ridden areas, as well as volunteering at cultural institutions. She is an exceptional individual with an admirable character and unwavering determination.
Nominated by Student Volunteer Army Hamilton
CAITLIN HARRIS
Caitlin volunteers at the St John store in Paeroa by making up Christmas goody bags for staff and volunteers, making and delivering personal care kits for school students, helping out with events like afternoon teas, dinners and first aid courses, and designing posters and invites for events. Caitlin is kind and supportive to everyone and gives up her spare time to go the extra mile.
Nominated by St John Paeroa Store
RANA MAHMUD ARIF
Rana has been volunteering with the Waikato Arab Social Club for 3 years and volunteers as a Youth Coordinator. Rana uses her positive energy and leadership skills to encourage the Arab and Muslim youth to be more active in community events and community work. Rana makes a positive impact on youth behaviour and social skills.
Nominated by Waikato Arab Social Club
SAHANA KAIDALA MOHAN KUMAR
Sahana has recently started volunteering at Aspire Community Support as a Volunteer Companion, demonstrating her kindness and love for people and putting the person first before the disability. She has a marvellous sense of humour, is amazingly friendly and a wonderful person to her companions, which helps them to improve their independence.
Nominated by Aspire Community Support
SAMANTHA CAUGHEY
Sammy has been volunteering at EquiPotential since 2019 helping individual clients learn new skills which can increase their independence, which benefits their caregivers, whaanau, teachers and the wider community. Sammy is an energetic and happy person who lifts the spirits of everyone around her. Sammy's passion and commitment, along with her reliability and work ethic, make her a valuable role model for other volunteers and a true asset in helping our staff.
Nominated by EquiPotential
WILLIAM RUSHBROOKE
William recently started volunteering at The Refugee Orientation Centre Trust, helping tamariki strengthen their literacy, maths and confidence through a range of activities from lego building to playing soccer. William noticed a need one day and used initiative to help any way he could - a great example of going beyond the role description and looking for creative solutions.
Nominated by The Refugee Orientation Centre Trust
YADON JACOBS
Yadon has been volunteering with the Breast Cancer Research Trust since 2022 and although he is young he understands the impact of breast cancer on families and the importance of research to find a cure. Volunteering has allowed Yadon to connect to the community and make it a better place, and has shown everyone he meets, what a meaningful and positive contribution to community and society looks like.
Nominated by The Breast Cancer Research Trust
On behalf of Volunteering Waikato - Te Ohu Tuuao o Waikato - congratulations on your nomination and thank you for volunteering in our communities!
