Celebrating Our Community Heroes: A Night of Thanks for Resilient Russell Volunteers
What a wonderful evening it was at the Nauti Penguin recently, as we gathered to celebrate and thank the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to the many initiatives under the Resilient Russell Charitable Trust umbrella. Around 60 of our valued volunteers joined us for an evening of connection, appreciation, and delicious food.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome and heartfelt thank you from Mike Pratt, who acknowledged the immense mahi contributed by everyone over the past year. Mike set the stage for an evening focused on recognising the diverse efforts that make Russell a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.
A key part of the evening was hearing directly from the leaders of various Resilient Russell projects. It was a fantastic opportunity for volunteers, who often focus on one specific area, to gain insight into the breadth of work happening across the Trust:
- Chrissie Angell spoke passionately about the ongoing efforts of FIXation, explaining its valuable role in helping our community repair and breathe new life into household items, fostering sustainability and practical skills right here in Russell.
- Helen Ough Dealy shared updates on the vital Meals on Wheels service, emphasising the crucial support and connection it provides to recipients within our community.
- Alistair MacDuff provided an informative overview of the Waste Management activities, detailing the progress and future plans for reducing waste and promoting effective recycling and reuse in Russell.
- Sue Fitzmaurice took the floor to talk about the Russell Lights, our cherished monthly community newspaper, highlighting its importance in keeping everyone connected and informed about local happenings.
- Dave Lester showcased the activities, camaraderie, and practical projects happening down at the MenzShed, demonstrating its role as a space for skill-sharing and community building.
- Rounding off the presentations, Sue spoke again, this time providing an important update on the progress and developments regarding the community CCTV project.
These short talks not only showcased the dedication within each specific project but also highlighted the interconnectedness of all these efforts in building a truly resilient Russell. It provided a valuable chance for volunteers to see how their individual contributions fit into the bigger picture and learn about other ways the Trust is serving the community.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers
This event was, above all, a chance for Resilient Russell to express our sincere gratitude. To every single volunteer: your contribution is invaluable. Whether you’re setting traps, delivering meals, sorting waste, writing articles, working on community safety initiatives, or crafting projects at the MenzShed – your mahi matters deeply. You are the backbone of these initiatives. Your dedication, skills, and willingness to give your time make a tangible difference to the well-being and spirit of Russell. Thank you for your unwavering commitment!
Beyond the informative presentations, the evening was filled with lively conversation as volunteers connected over a sparkling wine reception, followed by absolutely delicious nibbles and desserts. It was wonderful to see so many dedicated individuals enjoying a well-deserved evening of appreciation and fellowship.
Thank you again to all our volunteers for everything you do. Your efforts truly embody the spirit of community resilience.
