Aimee Davis
Is a person that goes beyond the requirements of being a teacher, she has been the ears that have listened, the heart that cares and a constant strength helping children reach their potential. Aimee has a young family and dedicates numerous hours outside of school time helping children in sports, plays
and other activities. It is hard to put into a few words what she is and has done as an unsung hero – the faces and feedback from her students and other children say it all. Aimee is a teacher that you remember and are grateful for – she is a teacher who has blessed your life.
Carol Weir
Has been with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for 23 years and during this time she has been dedicated and loyal. In 1996 Carol’s application form shows she was already an active valued member of several community organisations i.e Scouts, Kindy, YHA and was a Treasurer or Board member of some. Then as her oldest child left home Carol volunteered with CAB and has not looked back.
She has a caring helpful nature with a flare for helping youth and creating relationships, Carol wasn’t daunted with recent technological changes and instead she embraced these changes with an open mind. She shows initiative when helping clients with her calm manner and is especially helpful when clients arrive upset or distressed. She enjoys directly helping people and empowering them to help themselves, having an impact on the other volunteers at CAB who follow her lead. Every volunteer organisation should have a Carol!
Deb Lee
Is always giving time, support, encouragement and fun to others not asking for anything in return. I would like her recognised as a fabulous member of our community.
Deb gives her time and service to those in need, hanging out with her mum and the other residents at Everslea Rest Home spreading joy and lending an ear to those that need it. She supports friends through crises, exhaustion and challenging times. Debs generous spirit touches more than her nearest and dearest. She teaches art part time encouraging, inspiring or just chatting with the children. She is a member of PAG (Patient Advisory Group) volunteering her time to make positive changes to the DHB Mental Health Services. Deb recently joined Canine Friends with her dog Jackie Chan who she took on as a rescue dog. Jackie Chan has been transformed by Deb’s time, love and attention from a skittish and nervous dog to an engaging, well behaved companion who with Deb’s help will now give much pleasure to others.
Deborah Grace
Is the manager of the Hastings CAB and although an immigrant from the UK she has embraced the Maori culture, indeed all cultures she comes across in her work in this varied role.
Deborah lives with her husband on a small block where she raises goats, sheep, pet cows and deer. She has the softest heart for her animals and builds them huts and playgrounds.
Deborah is the chair of the Partnership Advisory Group (a voluntary role) that works with the DHB in the Mental Health Sector. She puts in long hours sitting in on policy, recruitment and innovation and improvement meetings speaking up for people who live with mental distress. She is also a member of the Consumer Council in a similar role.
Helen Calder
Is a hidden gem, a diamond volunteer with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau Hastings. At 79 years young she definitely doesn’t let anything hold her back! Helen has been a volunteer with CAB for almost 13 years. She has embraced changes with our new website and all the associated tasks. Helen also volunteers with the Hospice shop.
Netball has been a passion of Helen’s for many years. Since 1971 Helen has been fully involved with coaching and mentoring the Hastings Girls Old Girls’ netball club, the Huias, and is now a life member of the club. Helen voluntarily umpired netball for many years at New Zealand tournament level starting in 1975. In 1995 she was granted life membership of the Hastings Umpires Assn. Helen’s smile is always there, no matter what.
This quote that the Heretaunga Womens Centre used recently really sums Helen up:
“Work for a cause, not for applause; Live life to express, not to impress.
Lynsey Abbott
“No judgement, only Aroha”
Together we heal – one voice
Lynsey is an “Unsung Hero” of the Flaxmere community. She set up “One Voice Voluntary Services” from her home in Flaxmere. Lynsey leads her whanau to volunteer their time and aroha to children, rangatahi, adults, whanau in difficult situations ranging from sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief, drugs, disability, food, housing, animal welfare and other services that help our precious community.
She created “Pataka Kai”on her doorstep seeing a need for struggling whanau. She easily collaborates with other services and whanau to donate what ever they can from the kindness of their hearts.
For the second year she is hosting “One Voice Christmas Event”, calling for whanau and services to donate and volunteer their time to distribute Christmas Kai Hakari and gifts for tamariki and whanau. She is a selfless Mana Wahine with the greatest of aroha and respect to all and everyone
Marion Shakespeare
Is a produce coordinator for Nourished For NIL, a local charity rescuing and redistributing fresh food to our community. Marion sorts, packs, makes the parcels, directs queries, defrosts our freezers, keeps the inventory checked, coordinates bulk pick-ups of surplus fresh food, cleans and is all-round CAMP MOTHER- the most unbelievable human being on two legs! She is Nourished for NIL’s Unsung Hero 50 times over.
Do you know an incredible woman who makes our community better?
The Heretaunga Womens Centre is pleased to announce nominations are open for our inaugural 2019 “Unsung Heroine Awards. These Awards are an opportunity to recognise women for their previously un-noted yet valuable community contributions.
Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make a difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in the lives of their extended whanau/family, their neighbourhood, their marae and our community at large. They are mentors, volunteers and go-getters who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps our community together and we are fortunate that they work so tirelessly.
We are currently seeking nominations from the community for our Unsung Heroine of the Year. Why ask the community at large? Because the community is where these women work, and the good works that they do are known and recognised. The award will be presented at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre Annual Women’s Forum on September 13 2019 and shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend. If you know an extraordinary woman in your community who you think deserves to be recognised then complete and return the attached nomination form. Share this email out to your community and help us to celebrate those special women who really make a difference. Nominations close on Monday 9 September. Please return nominations to Heretaunga Womens Centre, P.O.Box 780 Hastings 4156 or by mail