Twizel woman Michelle Pearse has been making a difference in the Mackenzie district for over two decades.
This month’s recipient of the Volunteer of the Month award has been recognised for her efforts with two community trusts.
Mrs Pearse was nominated by Vicky Hayes from the Twizel Community Care Trust.
She said Mrs Pearse was an invaluable asset and a conduit between the Twizel Community Care Trust community care trust and Twizel/Tekapo Community Vehicle Trust.
Mrs Pearse had volunteered for the community vehicle trust since 2012 as driver coordinator and was also on the board of both trusts.
Mrs Pearse said the award was a ‘‘very unexpected surprise’’.
‘‘It’s great to know volunteers are appreciated, not just me, everyone.’’
She said she did not expect anything for what she did.
‘‘I do it because I enjoy doing it.’
She said for her, the satisfaction came from helping others.
‘‘You have to want to do it, if you don’t you won’t have the right mindset.’’
Mrs Hayes said both trusts held an awful lot of value to many members of their community.
The vehicle trust provided transport for residents who were unable to transport themselves from their homes to nearby towns or cities for medical appointments or shopping visits.
It relied largely on volunteers driving the vehicles; passenger fees were set to cover the operating cost of the trips.
Mrs Pearse had built a relationship with all of the drivers, and worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and happiness of the drivers and board members.
Mrs Hayes said, ‘‘she spends time every day to support the co-ordinators at the care centre as well as being a driver herself sometimes having to support people last minute or in emergencies’’.
She said Mrs Pearse was often a support person for members of the community going through medical concerns.
‘‘Michelle has helped by attending appointments often knowing it will be traumatic for the person concerned and being that listening ear and company for people without family close by.
‘‘Her presence is exceptionally important. She communicates and arranges all aspects of the trips including vehicle maintenance and safety.’’
She said without Mrs Pearse, the trust would not be able to provide as much support to so much of the community, in particularly the elderly and those without family members.
‘‘She is committed to ensuring the safety of all drivers as well as ensuring people in our isolated community are supported.’’
As well as these current roles, she previously volunteered for Hone Hato St John for over 20 years. She had started in first aid and had moved in to an ambulance officer role.
