By Petrina Wright | Posted: Monday October 21, 2024
Family Works Buddy Programme Whakatipu coordinator Nanette Benington has been recognised for her work providing vital support to vulnerable children and young people in the region.
She was one of five recipients of the Heart of the Whakatipu Mayoral Award at the 2024 Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards held in Queenstown on Saturday night (19 Oct) attended by 450 people.
The award recognises individuals who have made extraordinary and enduring philanthropic contributions to the Whakatipu region, contributions which have inspired, encouraged and paved the way for others to give back.
As Buddy Programme coordinator for the past 17 years, Nanette has successfully matched 210 Little Buddies with volunteer Big Buddies.
“What a fabulous personal achievement for Nanette and it is also great recognition for what the Buddy Programme does for the community – well done and well deserved,” Family Works director Judith McInerney said.
The award citation read - “her dedication and positivity have made the programme highly regarded, fostering growth, friendship and confidence in the youth of Whakatipu.”
Nanette said - “I accepted the praise, but in the back of my mind I thought – it is not really about me. It’s the volunteer Big Buddies that should be recognised for helping the Little Buddies to dream big.”
The award was also in recognition of her 10 years of service to Happiness House, a non-profit organisation which provides a variety of services to the community.
Nanette said she found her job as Buddy coordinator rewarding.
“You can see that you are making a difference for families.”
She also enjoyed working with the Big Buddies who gave up their time for the children, providing them with new experiences and helping them find their passions and things that they are good at.
The biennial Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards recognises and celebrates individuals, organisations, groups and corporate entities who contribute in a philanthropic way to the Wakatipu community.