Newcastle has most helpful people of all

Newcastle charities are $15,000 better off today thanks to the efforts of this year´s NRMA Motoring & Services´ Helping People Awards winner, Albert Sheridan and runner-up, Nancy Adams.

NRMA Director Kyle Loades, congratulated Albert Sheridan and Nancy Adams for their achievement and said this year´s nominations were tough to judge but Albert and Nancy stood out as two people who really did go above and beyond for their communities.

?The awards acknowledge Albert and Nancy´s years of volunteer, community and charitable work,? Mr Loades said.

?Both are real heroes who are always willing to give their time to help someone in need with no expectation of anything in return.

?That´s why it´s great to be able to publicly acknowledge their contributions through these awards.?

Mr Sheridan, 88, is a champion whose voluntary community work spreads over 30 years and has been the recipient of many awards including Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award. Nancy Adams, a finalist last year for the NRMA Helping People Awards, is a retired nursing sister who devotes full time voluntary work to many charities and community groups in her area.

Winner Albert Sheridan said he was proud to be able to donate his $10,000 prize money to the Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle and support such a worthy cause.

Newcastle Ronald McDonald House Executive Officer, Ross Bingham thanked Albert´s support of Ronald McDonald House and felt humbled in being put forward by Albert as his nominated charity.

Runner-up Nancy Adams nominated The Lions Club in Warners Bay as her charity of choice to receive the $5,000 donation.  Ms Adams wanted the money to help the Australian Lions Children Mobility Foundation purchase walking frames for children with cerebral palsy.

NRMA launched the Helping People Awards last year to recognise those who help and encourage a more caring community following research showing people´s willingness to help each other has declined over the last 20 years.