Illawarra Heroes Recognised By NRMA Helping People Award

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 15 June 2010

Illawarra Helping Hands Tekle Setargew from Figtree, Vicki Whitley from Shellharbour and Adriana Gervaise from Corrimal, have been nominated in this year's NRMA Helping People Awards for their outstanding contribution to the community.

NRMA Deputy President Michael Tynan said Mr Setargew, Ms Whitley and Mrs Gervaise were all nominated for an award for their dedication to charity work and willingness to lend a Helping Hand whenever needed.

"NRMA launched the Helping People Awards in 2005 to shine a light on volunteers who rarely get recognised for their important community work," Mr Tynan said.

"We are pleased to be able to receive their nominations from members in the community and I encourage people to nominate a volunteer they know who also does amazing work."

Illawarra Multicultural Services, IMS, Volunteer Coordinator Ms Jin Zao said she nominated Tekle for a Young Volunteer Award and Vicki for a Community Volunteer Award for their outstanding work with IMS.

"Tekle is a year 12 high school student who helps young refugee children every Saturday with their school work," Ms Jin said. "I am happy to nominate Tekle for an award because his spirit of helping others at his young age should be encouraged.

"I also nominated Vicki for an award because for the past year and a half, come rain or shine Vicki has taught English to refugee children and showed a dedication and passion to help that should be recognised."

Corrimal resident Mrs Adriana Gervaise was nominated for a Community Volunteer Award by her husband Peter for her work with the Towradgi Surf Life Saving Club.

"Adriana has given up paid work to give 100 per cent of her time as a volunteer to Towradgi Surf Club," Mr Gervaise said. "She volunteers over 80 hours a week, much more than her position as President and Administrator requires, and jumps in wherever and whenever she is needed to lend a hand.

"Because of Adriana, the Club was successfully granted $177,300.00 from State Government which will be used for training and equipment to help save lives."

It's not too late to nominate someone you know who is a real Helping Hand. Volunteers can be nominated in one of the following award categories until Friday, 13 August 2010:

• Community Volunteer Award (age 25-59)
  
  Prize: A $1000 accommodation voucher to spend at one or more of NRMA's five Holiday Parks in NSW & QLD, plus a five-day Thrifty car hire voucher.
• Senior Volunteer Award (age 60+)
  
  Prize: Seven day holiday tour of Darwin and Kakadu for two adults including a trip on the Ghan and flights.
• Environmental Volunteer Award (age 25+)
  
  Prize: Five night holiday package to Travelodge Perth Hotel for two adults including flights.
• Young Volunteer Award (age 16- 24)
  
  Prize: Five night holiday package for two adults to Travelodge Brisbane including flights and a Three Park Fun Pass.

The four winners will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity they volunteer for, plus a great Australian getaway for two.

To nominate online visit 2010 NRMA Helping People Awards or pick up a nomination form at your local NRMA Office, Travelodge Hotel or NRMA Holiday Park. Phone (02) 8741 6638 for more information.

Contact Kimberly Rigby 0439 133 215