4 September
Waikeria Prison staff have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community with a Pride of Te Awamutu Award for charity fundraising.
Last year staff from Waikeria Prison raised nearly $30,000 for the Cure CanTeen charity by holding a ‘Fight for Life’ event. They organised a well attended boxing event and secured sponsorship from local businesses. Boxers included both males and females from Corrections, Police and the Henry Bennett Centre.
All competitors were required to complete training and protective headgear was worn. The event also included individuals securing sponsorship to have their heads shaved in the boxing ring during the event which was held at the Te Awamutu Events Centre.
“We are delighted to receive this award as recognition of our fundraising efforts. The event raised a significant amount of money for teenagers who are affected by cancer and was something our staff were very proud to be involved in”, says Central Region Manager Terry Buffery who accepted the award last night on behalf of Waikeria Prison staff.
“The event was such a success that we intend to hold a similar event in May 2010 where we are hoping to raise even more for CanTeen.
“We have a long history of supporting CanTeen and participating in these events is a fantastic way for us to contribute to the community we live in and make it a better place. Waikeria employs a large number of staff and I would say that all of them have been affected by cancer in some way so this is our chance to take action and help fight this devastating disease.”
CanTeen is the New Zealand organisation supporting young people with cancer.
Notes to Editors
The award recipients were selected by the Te Awamutu Alive Committee and sponsored by L.J Hooker. Twenty-eight other individuals/organisations received awards for their contribution to the community at the annual event held last night at the Te Awamutu Golf Centre.
Waikeria prison is New Zealand’s second largest prison employing around 480 staff.
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