Volunteers are the heart of our communities, and this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients are no exception.
St John would like to recognise three such people, each with their own unique association to St John and significant contributions to their community.
Bob Kerridge has received his second New Zealand Order of Merit this year for services to animal welfare and governance.
St John Director of Community Health Services, Sarah Manley, says it’s fantastic to see Bob receive this well-deserved Order of Merit.
“Bob established the Outreach Therapy Pets programme, a partnership between St John and SPCA which continues to provide joy and friendship to many deserving communities across New Zealand.”
Mrs Maera Maki-Anderson has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
“Maera began volunteering 30 years ago, and that also included a stint with Murapara St John Ambulance from 2003-2005. We would like to share our thanks and congratulations.”
Ruth McNamara, a Member of the Order of St John since 1993, was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community.
“Ruth is a true community hero, helping to establish a combined church group raising over $50,000 for local causes through a fruit and vegetable stall, and receiving the Central Otago District Community Service Award in 2008. Our thanks and congratulations to Ruth,” Ms Manley says.
As National Volunteer Week 2018 fast approaches, 17-23 June, St John would also like recognise one of our longest servicing volunteers, Whanganui’s Betty Simpson.
Betty started as a cadet officer in Nelson 67 years ago, and helped to set up the St John Fellowship in Whanganui as a membership and friendship group for those retired from service.
Betty has trained St John Youth, served on Area Committees and has contributed to her community in a number of ways, receiving a St John Service Medal at the recent ceremony in Feilding.
Lastly, St John recognises and celebrates the life and generosity of Jeremy Stubbs KStJ.
Jeremy contributed immense passion, advocacy and support for both St John and wider rural health issues.
“Jeremy embodied St John values and his generous spirit and community mindedness have inspired the lives of many,” Ms Manley says.
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