Work with aged earns top award

Age Concern Tauranga has picked up the top gong for its work in the community.

The organisation was last night named the supreme winner in the Tauranga Community Awards at TECT Arena, and will now have the chance to represent the region in the national awards. For winning the award, Age Concern Tauranga received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500 prize money.

TrustPower community relations representative Teresa Partridge praised the supreme winner's impact in the aged community.

Initiatives to help the organisation's members have included bus trips, cooking classes for elderly men, matching volunteers with elderly clients, and seminars on diverse issues affecting the elderly.

"The continuing efforts of staff and volunteers at Age Concern have proved that these services are needed and indeed are enjoyed by an increasing number of elderly. The activities run by volunteers help older people to remain in their own homes for longer periods and the services combat the decrease in independence that is enjoyed by those retired," she said.

This year's competition featured 68 entrants.

Winners

Supreme winner: Age Concern Tauranga

Heritage and environment: Winner: Tauranga SPCA; Runner-up: Sanctuary Park Trust; Commendation: The Elms Volunteer Guides

Health and well being: Winner: Waipuna Hospice; Runner-up: Tauranga Community Foodbank Trust; Commendation: Street Help Van

Arts and culture: Winner: Village Radio; Runner-up: Tauranga Repertory Society.

Sport and leisure: Winner: Tauranga Special Olympics; Runner-up: Papamoa Swimming Club

Education and child/youth development: Winner: Kidz Need Dadz; Runner-up: Tauranga Astronomical Society