Charity house-building project wins top award

From left: TrustPower chief executive Vince Hawksworth, Kylie and Derek Craig (representing...
From left: TrustPower chief executive Vince Hawksworth, Kylie and Derek Craig (representing supreme winners Operation Owen) and Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan at the TrustPower Clutha District Community Awards in Balclutha on Monday night. Photo supplied.

Charity house-building project Operation Owen has won top honours at the 2013 TrustPower Clutha Community Awards, presented in Balclutha on Monday night.

With a team of volunteers, Derek and Kylie Craig, of Cromwell, created ''Operation Owen'' to construct a purpose-built home for Kaitangata couple Jodie and Terry Owen.

The couple's two daughters, Charli (8) and Meg (4), have undiagnosed cerebellar ataxia, which affects the girls' co-ordination and balance.

The family moved into their new home in June, after nearly two years of raising funds.

More than 100 people worked on the home last Labour Weekend and dozens of businesses and individuals gave materials, money and time.

As supreme winner, the group received $1500, a framed certificate and a trophy, and will represent the district at the 2013 TrustPower National Community Awards in Invercargill next March.

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, a member of the Operation Owen committee, said it had been a ''real privilege'' to be involved with the project.

TrustPower community relations representative Jess Somerville said the project showed just what was possible when a group of passionate and determined volunteers were supported by their community.

About 100 people attended the awards ceremony at the Rosebank Lodge.

Blue Mountain College deputy head boy Garth Devereux was the winner of the TrustPower Clutha Youth Community Spirit Award.

Garth made a ''huge contribution'' to both the sporting and cultural life of Blue Mountain College and was actively involved in the wider community, Miss Somerville said.

Garth is also the leader of the school's Students Against Driving Drunk group, and is on the Clutha District Youth Council.

He received a trophy, framed certificate and $500 prize money - with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of his choice.

The award, run in partnership with the Clutha District Council, recognises secondary school pupils' service to school and community.

• Full list of recipients -

Heritage and environment: West Otago Cavalcade 2013 (winner), West Otago Vintage Club (runner-up), Catlins Coast Inc (commendation).

Health and wellbeing: Operation Sugar (winner), Clinton Lions Club (runner-up), Balclutha Red Cross meals and meals on wheels drivers (commendation).

Arts and culture: West Otago Theatrical Society (winner), Owaka Swap Shop (runner-up).

Sport and leisure: Clutha Valley Lions Club (winner), Catlins Promotions (runner-up), Clutha Super Masters Games (commendation).

Education and child/youth development: Clutha Valley Parent Teacher Association (winner), Kaitangata Car Show and Run (runner-up).

Supreme winner: Operation Owen.

Youth Spirit: Garth Devereux, Blue Mountain College (winner), Richard Blair, South Otago High School (runner-up).

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