Lake Road Hospice retail volunteer nominated for Youth Award

Maia Hungerford loves to help out at the Lake Road Hospice shop one day a week. She spends her time cleaning, sorting donations, putting clothing out and assisting on the till. She has been nominated for the Youth Award section of Volunteering Waikato’s Excellence Awards by Hospice Waikato Manager of Volunteer Services Karen Mansfield. Maia, 17, has been volunteering at the Frankton shop for the past two years after finishing her schooling.

“It’s great to see young people such as Maia stepping up to be involved in their community. Maia is a bright, bubbly young lady who is hard working, fun and always brings a positive work attitude to the shop. She also brings with her a creative flair and has even upcycled items to be sold,” says Karen.

The youth award recognises and celebrates the voluntary effort of volunteers under the age of 25 who have made a contribution in our community. “Volunteering is a wonderful way for people to learn new skills, boost their CV and give something back to their community. It can help people to make new friends and get hands-on experience,” says Karen.

The Volunteer Excellence Awards are an annual event hosted by Volunteering Waikato, and are held during Volunteer Awareness Week in June. Hospice Waikato has also put forward Carrie Rauber for Volunteer of the Year, Peter Van Veen for Volunteer of the Year Award Retail Division and Betty Herbert, Heather Quigley, June Webb, Judy Barakat, Richard Jellie and Gaye Jellie (Coordinators of the Te Awamutu store) in the Volunteer Team of the Year division. “These nominees are just a few of the superstars who volunteer with Hospice Waikato”, says Karen. “Thank you, and we wish you all the very best at the Volunteer Excellence Awards.”

Hospice Waikato is always looking for volunteers. If you wish to volunteer, please get in touch with Karen Mansfield on 07 859 1260.