SPCA volunteers usually receive thanks in the form of a wagging tail or affectionate purr. This week, those acknowledging their efforts will be much more eloquent.Reina Flavell and Alice Robinson are amongst more than 150 young Nelsonians nominated for the Youth Volunteer Awareness Recognition Event to be held this Thursday as part of Volunteer Awareness Week.
The event is run by Volunteer Nelson, Nelson and Tasman councils and Youth Councils, and The New Hub. It will be held at the Nelson College Hall after the New Hub building, the original venue, was given a poor rating on the recent earthquake assessment, leaving activities suspended.
The night will include prominent guest speakers and a selection of Nelson youth performances will provide entertainment. Every nominee will receive a certificate to signify their nomination and the contribution they make to society.
“Volunteers are the glue that make our communities stick together and there are a lot of young, unsung heroes out there. The event is an opportunity to bring together these remarkable young volunteers and officially thank them,” says Mary Curnow, chair of Volunteer Nelson.
For Reina and Alice it was a love for animals that sparked their desire to volunteer.
“Volunteering gives me a sense of giving something back to the community,” says Alice, who has volunteered at the SPCA for a year and a half. “I love animals and I want to give time and attention to the ones that don’t have enough of it in their life.”
This is the eighth year the event has been held, with a NZ General Social Survey showing that 27 per cent of people aged 15-24 volunteer. Volunteers from 38 local organisations have been nominated. “Youth volunteering is very much alive and well in this region,” says Mary.
By Rosie Thomsen
