Crisis helper is tops in NZ

Crisis support volunteer Bridgit Bretherton-Jones’ five years of service has been recognised at the inaugural National Volunteer Awards this week.

The west Auckland resident has been named the overall Volunteer of the Year for her tireless efforts for the Preventing Violence in the Home agency.

It is New Zealand’s biggest anti-violence agency and provides 24-hour crisis support for domestic assault victims.

The organisation’s development director Mary Ellan Zefirelli says Bridgit has been outstanding advocate for those facing physical abuse.

"She regularly faces grim situations in the small hours of the morning without complaint and is bringing hope to our children and adults devastated by domestic violence," Ms Zefirelli says.

One of Bridgit’s clients sums up the contribution Bridgit has made to her life.

"She helped me see that it’s my right to be safe."

The awards have been set up by Good magazine’s Gavin Healy and the judging panel includes Voluntary and Community Sector Minister Tariana Turia.

It was held last night ahead of Volunteer Awareness Week, which runs from June 14 to 20.

Statistics New Zealand figures show about one million people volunteer for a charity
every year.

Volunteering is worth $3.3 billion to the national economy and adds 4.9 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.

- © Fairfax NZ News