About us
A winning volunteer!
Author Ian Gail
- No quitter: With his 'can-do' attitude, Michael has become indispensable to staff of Burwood Hospital. Here, he collects the daily paper from Burwood receptionist Joyce White.
Christchurch tenant Michael Turner's 'can-do' attitude saw him win a major award at the national 2009 Volunteer of the Year Awards announced in June.
Michael has lived with cerebral palsy since he was eight years old. Several operations were unable to stop his condition worsening, and his speech, coordination and ability to walk are now all significantly affected. In 2003, Michael began physiotherapy at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch. Arriving early, Michael collected the mail from reception and delivered it to the physiotherapy department. After his physio session, he walked to the other end of the hospital to learn computing skills - a walk that took an hour. Michael says he could get there more quickly, but he stops a lot to chat up the nurses!
In 2006, Michael's help at Burwood Hospital saw him offered a volunteer position with the NZ Spinal Trust's Useful People Volunteer Programme. He now delivers mail to every part of the hospital, and his role has helped to improve his walking ability, stamina and speech. Michael is popular with hospital staff and respected for his role there. He also serves on two committees at CCS Disability Action and helps organise social functions for people who experience cerebral palsy. It was Michael's 'can-do' attitude that saw him nominated by the hospital as a 'community hero' in the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Housing New Zealand Case Manager Lindsay Daniel says Michael is a remarkable and determined person. "Michael has been a Housing New Zealand tenant since 2001, and his home has been modified to suit his health needs. I find Michael positive, and the way he has learned to manage his life is quite inspiring" says Lindsay. "I wasn't surprised to learn that Michael had been nominated for these awards and was thrilled to hear he was a winner."
Michael won the Health and Disabilities Services category, one of five categories in the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Awards. The five category winners went through to the finals, and Michael was runner-up to the main Award - Michael won the Highly Commended Finalist 2009. In her speech at the awards ceremony in June, the Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, spoke of Michael's "amazing enthusiasm - a positive spirit, which has truly touched the heart of all he comes in contact with."
"I find Michael positive, and the way he has learned to manage his life is quite inspiring." Lindsay Daniel Case Manager.
