Life Membership Award for Joyce Hogg

Joyce with Mike Armour, Coordinator Martinborough Red Cross Group.

Joyce Hogg, a well-known personality in Martinborough was recently awarded a Life Membership Award by the NZ Red Cross, an achievement that eclipsed even her 50-year service award in 2015.  Joyce Hogg first joined the Red Cross Youth in Form 2 (Year 8) at Martinborough School having previously helped her mother deliver Meals on Wheels.

 Some years later while working as a teacher aid, Joyce began organising Red Cross activities for children, and has continued to be an active member of the Martinborough Red Cross group, helping at the annual fund-raising event, street raffle and baking for Cake Day in honour of Henri Dunant the founder of the Red Cross.

Peter Saba, Regional Humanitarian Development Manager for Wellington & Wairarapa, and Kathy O’Neill, Humanitarian Development & Engagement Manager from Timaru presented Joyce with a Lifetime Membership Award with a badge and certificate in recognition of Joyce’s sustained service to the work of the Red Cross.  “It has always felt good being part of an organisation that works throughout the world to help those in need” Joyce said, and there are many others in our group who have been Red Cross members for 20, 30 and 40 years.

Congratulations on your achievement and award Joyce – you are an absolute gem!

New Zealand Disaster Fund

The impact of devastation caused recently by Cyclone Gabrielle vibrates throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand and the world.  It has been sobering for all as we watch with horror the devastation caused by Gabrielle in so many parts of Te  Ika-a-Maui especially the east coast in Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Wairoa among others.

As always, the Red Cross is in the midst of these events, working with NEMA and other emergency management services to provide disaster welfare support  with stretchers, hygiene kits, generators, and bedding.

The greatest need now is to provide funds for agencies such as the Red Cross to continue their relief work.  Donating to the New Zealand Disaster Fund is easy and can be made on-line by following this link – https://www.redcross.org.nz/. 

Are you keen to do more? Why not join your local Red Cross Group and be part of an organisation that is doing all it can to help.  

In Featherston you can contact Jayson Tahinurua on 027 2331121 and Martinborough contact Mike Armour on 027 939 7373.

Mike Armour