Three long standing members of Mid Canterbury Children’s Day Trust have been recognised for their years-long service.
Lorayne Oakley, and Adrienne and Graeme Moodie have collectively been involved with the trust for more than 20 years and at last month’s annual general meeting were acknowledged for their efforts; Adrienne as patron, and Oakley and Graeme with life memberships.
Adrienne was surprised with the honour of being made trust’s first patron.
She has been involved with the organisation for about 20 years.
When she started she worked at the Ashburton children’s library and wanted to volunteer in a community project involving children.
‘‘It was nice surprise to be made the patron,’’ she said.
‘‘I have enjoyed being involved and love seeing the children’s faces and all the smiles on children’s day.
‘‘Seeing family have a stress free day, with children having the opportunity to try new things and not have to worry about costs, makes it all worthwhile,’’ Adrienne said.
Adrienne’s husband, Graeme also a longtime member, was made a life member.
It is a family affair for the pair; their daughter Alice Czerski is chair of the children’s committee, and helping behind the scenes is Alice’s husband, Andrew and their children Mia and Flynn.
Being made a life member was a shock for Graeme.
‘‘I knew nothing about it, even the grandchildren and managed to keep it a secret,’’ he said.
‘‘I have enjoyed everything about being involved with Children’s Day, while there have been a few challenges – mainly around funding – things have generally been good and that is thanks to the support and generosity of the community.
‘‘Once Rotary came on board and took care of most of the fundraising, which they are good at, that made things easier for the committee,’’ Graeme said.
Oakley, also made a life member, was part of the trust before stepping aside into a more background support role as chair of The Plains Railway & Historical Museum.
It is the venue where the annual event is held.
She went back on to the committee of Children’s Day at the annual meeting.
Oakley said she was honoured and very surprised to have been awarded a life membership.
‘‘Over the 10 years I spent on the Children’s Day committee, I’ve been privileged to meet and work beside, many amazing members of the Ashburton community who are dedicated to ensuring national Children’s Day is celebrated here in Mid Canterbury – both on the committee, and alongside the many attending supporting organisations and volunteers.
‘‘I feel extremely privileged to be rewarded for my efforts after receiving in 2017, a Civic Award from the Ashburton District Council for my contribution to community events within the Ashburton District,’’ Oakley said.
‘‘The organising committee are determined to keep this huge local event going, as costs increase each year. As the unstable economic climate continues, its essential for families to be able to put children’s day on their calendars as a ‘go to’ event.
‘‘Any person or business considering donating funds or volunteering their time on the day would be be greatly appreciated,’’ Oakley said,
Committee chair Alice Czerski said the awarding of the roles were a recognition of the service and dedication that the Moodies and Oakley had given over a significant number of years to Children’s Day.
Committee media spokesperson Janet Hadley said trust’s involvements had evolved over time.
‘‘We not only run Children’s Day now but also take part in Glow in the Park, Light up the Night, sell kites at the kite day at Lake Hood and the Lions Motor Home show but have also been part of the Teddy Bears Picnic and Matariki at the Marae,’’ Hadley said
There were also donations to child related activities such as out door toys and activity packs to S.E.E.D.S.
‘‘We couldn’t provide the free day with activities, rides, food and drinks without the fundraising we do, the donations we receive and the sponsorship. Without the support of the wonderful community we couldn’t provide the fun, free and family events we do‘‘ Czerksi said
At the meeting trust chair Warren Janett and trust member Diane Rawlinson stepped down after six years of service and committee member Peter Reverley became the new chair of the Trust.
