Erica Morse was awarded December 2025’s volunteer of the month award for her contribution to Multiple Sclerosis South Canterbury.
Mrs Morse said she got a "hell of a surprise" when she was presented with the award from Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury.
"It blew me away."
She began volunteering eight years ago when a close friend was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"I said to her, can you ask if I can be a volunteer?"
She said she loved volunteering, especially the interaction she had with the other women.
Mrs Morse spent her career at Morse Aluminium with her husband Trevor, and she had become accustomed to people coming and going and the conversation that brought with it.
In retirement, along with her tight group of friends, she said volunteering "fills the void".
"When people think about what they want to do when they retire, I always mention volunteering."
When Mrs Morse had a tumble in July last year, it really accentuated what life was like for the friends she had met through volunteering.
She was heading down stairs with her dogs on leashes when she was swept off her feet, breaking both her ankles.
Due to the layout of her house, and the amount of stairs, there had been a push for her to recover in an aged care facility, but Mr Morse would not have it.
He moved a bed downstairs and — when she needed a shower — wheeled her on a 130-metre route through the neighbour’s yard and down the road to get her to the basement level.
"It did give me an idea of how people lived when they were compromised."
She said she was still nervous of stairs.
Mrs Morse was nominated by community adviser Fiona Pierce.
Mrs Pierce said: "Erica consistently goes above and beyond, assisting clients with genuine kindness, compassion, and care.
"Her reliability, selflessness, and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports."
She said Mrs Morse regularly provided transport for clients to and from events, typically twice a month, using her own vehicle and never seeking compensation.
