New Year's honours: Voluntary work a 'joy'
BY RACHEL YOUNG
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Marlburian Lawrance Saunders' contribution to the community has been recognised in the New Year honours with the Queen's Service Medal.
For as long as he can remember, Mr Saunders has been involved in various aspects of the community.
"If you don't get involved, then you're not making a contribution to your community," he said.
Mr Saunders helped to establish the First Light Foundation, which assists local young people to attend Outward Bound courses.
He has organised several fundraising dinners that have benefited local organisations, including St Mark's Drug and Alcohol Centre and Hospice Marlborough. He was the director of the Blenheim Airport Company and a member of Blenheim Round Table, and was involved in the Blenheim South Rotary Club.
Mr Saunders said chairing the Marlborough Water Augmentation Scheme was one of the highlights of his work. The community group was formed to solve the water shortage in the area and was instrumental in setting up the southern valleys irrigation scheme.
He said that while the medal was for him, it really was a recognition of all the other volunteers who had been involved in projects with him.
Mr Saunders said volunteering in the community was an enjoyable activity.
"There's more joy in giving than in receiving."
He plans to continue helping people and organisations in the Marlborough community for the foreseeable future.
- The Marlborough Express
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