Volunteers in the community recognised

The annual Community Service Awards, which are open for nominations now through to 30 March, will take on special significance this year after a challenging 2011.

Christchurch City Council Community Services General Manager Michael Aitken says the awards follow on from last week’s Christchurch Earthquake Awards, presented at North Hagley Park after the Civic Memorial Service.

“It’s a good time to be recognising acts of service and kindness in our communities – one year on from the tragedies that have brought the people of Christchurch closer together.

“And while we’re sure there will be a few earthquake related nominations in the mix this year, these awards are more about the ongoing service and grassroots volunteer work that holds the framework of our communities together.

“They’re run at a local level with community boards accepting the nominations and awarding those most deserving.

“Whether it’s recognising someone who’s been volunteering for the past 40 years or few months; reading to school children or coaching a local sports team – these people enrich our communities by giving up their time for no pay, and we want to sincerely thank them for that.”

In addition to the Community Service Awards, Youth Service Awards are presented in recognition of significant voluntary service carried out by those aged 25-years or under, living in either the Riccarton/Wigram or Spreydon/Heathcote board areas only.

Community Service Awards nominations are considered and decided by the respective community boards, including:

Burwood/Pegasus
Fendalton/Waimairi
Hagley/Ferrymead
Riccarton/Wigram
Spreydon/Heathcote
Lyttleton/Mt Herbert
Akaroa/Wairewa

For more information and to download a nomination form, which covers both the Community Service Awards and Youth Service Awards, visit our Community Awards page:

Nomination forms are also available from Council service centres. The completed nomination form must be returned no later than 5pm on Friday 30 March 2012.