90 | COMMUNITY Presbyterian Support South Canterbury Commitment to community rewarded Kelly Deeks Presbyterian Support South Canterbury has provided a wide range of social services since 1918. Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? The efforts of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury in helping the community have again been recognised at the South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards 2021, taking home the Supporting Local Award and also sharing the Community Organisation Award with New Zealand Raptor Trust. It was the second time the organisation has tasted success at the awards, having taken home the Community Impact Award and the Sustainability and Environmental Award in 2019. Presbyterian Support South Canterbury has provided a wide range of social services since 1918, from its child-centred and family focused Family Works division to its Enliven aged care division providing residential facilities and in-home care services for the aged and disabled. Presbyterian Support South Canterbury CEO Carolyn Cooper says the Sustainability and Environmental Award win in 2019 came thanks to a resident-led initiative. “Our commitment to the Eden Alternative Philosophy of care has us empowering residents to make their own decisions,” she says. “At Enliven, The Croft Residential Aged Care Rest Home, we have the Greenies Group, who decided we needed to do something to reduce our environmental footprint.” Recycling bins are now used throughout Presbyterian Support South Canterbury’s operation, and plastic products like straws and medicine cups have been switched out for paper versions. Family Works runs a community food bank with volunteer labour and generous ongoing community support. The food bank’s Covid response was a focus for Presbyterian Support South Canterbury’s Supporting Local award. “We were the only food bank operating in the first week of the first lock down in 2020, and we were open for seven days a week, where we’re normally open Monday to Friday,” Carolyn says. “There was a huge increase in demand for the food bank during lockdown, and we were supporting families right throughout South Canterbury.” That lockdown also saw an increased demand for Presbyterian Support South Canterbury’s range of Too Easy heat and eat frozen meals. “We went from a pick up to a delivery service and we sold 6500 more meals over a six week period, with the introduction of online ordering. Our kitchen staff worked tirelessly, and staff from other areas of the organisation who couldn’t work due to lockdown, came and delivered the meals for us.” Presbyterian Support South Canterbury is now looking forward to delivering its Christmas Angel project for the third year running. “Vulnerable families that will really struggle during the Christmas period have been identified, we’ve matched them up with a sponsor, and that business, club, organisation or individual will go out and buy them presents. Last year our generous Christmas Angels supported 90 families, and this year they’re going to support over 120.” Competition judges commended Presbyterian Support South Canterbury for this initiative, calling it a wonderful way to connect different parts of the community. While humbly and gratefully accepting this year’s Business Excellence awards, the race is not yet run for Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. With more than 460 staff working across South Canterbury, the charitable organisation has its sights set on the Supreme Business Award at the South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards 2022. “We have entered twice but have not yet been successful in winning the big award of the night. Next year we will change the focus of our entry into the competition. I think the Supreme Business award has our name on it!” Award winning Registered Master Painters PAINTERS & PLASTERS COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL T: 03 688 8630 E: grant@grantjenkins.co.nz www.gjc.nz We offer quality painting and decorating solutions for interior and exterior of residential and commercial spaces that not only looks good but also stands the test of time. 37 Bank Street, Timaru. (03) 688 1068 design.timaru@guthriebowron.co.nz FLOORING P R O U D L Y S U P P O R T I N G P R E S B Y T E R I A N S U P P O R T S O U T H C A N T E R B U R Y CURTAINS BLINDS WALLPAPER PAINT FURNITURE HOMEWARES INTERIOR DESIGN
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