Volunteers Lauded

Ceremonies were held across the country in early December to mark Corrections’ second annual Volunteer Recognition Awards. Timed to coincide with International Volunteer Day, these ceremonies have become a popular fixture, giving volunteers an opportunity to mix and mingle with Corrections managers and staff in a social setting.

In Wellington, award winners included the Maori Ministries team, Volunteer Librarian Patricia Morrison and volunteers from Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Former National Advisor Volunteers Russell Underwood reflected back on some positive progress in prison volunteering in the past year, including the launch of the new Handbook for Prison Volunteers and the training package.

In Auckland over 150 gathered at the spectacular Orakei Marae for awards, entertainment and kai. Regional Manager Warren Cummins paid tribute to the support of volunteers to prisoners and their whanau. Apart from the awards, spot prizes were given to the oldest and youngest volunteer and to the volunteer who had travelled the farthest on the night.

In Otago, at a ceremony attended by Prison Manager Jack Harrison, award winners included Volunteer Counsellor Paul Reet and the team from Riverside Chapel, Henley.

The team winner for the Canterbury prisons was the Salvation Army, whose members between them have notched up an incredible 129 years as prison volunteers.

At Hawkes Bay Regional Prison, Literacy Support Volunteer Judith Lambert took the individual award, while the team award went to the House of Breakthrough Church, represented by Edith Walsh.

Many congratulations to all this year’s winners!