Youth award winner’s volunteer spirit strong

Wanaka teenager Maddison Frazer (13) has logged more than 350 hours of volunteer service and was...
Wanaka teenager Maddison Frazer (13) has logged more than 350 hours of volunteer service and was given the supreme award at the Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards for a second time on Tuesday night. Photo: Tim Miller.
Wanaka teenager Maddison Frazer  has already spent more hours volunteering in her 13 years than many people will  in their entire life.

The Mount Aspiring College pupil is aiming for 500 hours of volunteer service by June next year as part of the St John youth programme’s 500-hour volunteer badge.

"Right now I’ve done about 360 hours of volunteer service around the community."

She had completed 100 hours by the time she was 10 and 200 hours by the end of last year.

On Tuesday night, she won the supreme award at the Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards for the second time.

As well as volunteering with St John, Maddison helped with Challenge Wanaka, the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, the Rotary Club of Wanaka and  Community Networks Wanaka — all the while juggling schoolwork and after-school sport.

"Only when I’m really busy I will say no to volunteering."

After she has completed her 500-hour badge, Maddison will start the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award programme.

"I just think it’s a really nice place to live and really like to give back to the community," she said.

Kahu Youth Trust youth worker Richard Elvy said the amount of time Maddison spent volunteering put most adults to shame.

"Her volunteering work and support for the community is just phenomenal. The many many hours she gives to others is really amazing."

The idea behind the awards was to let young people know their efforts were being acknowledged by the community, Mr Elvy said.

Other winners were Dakota Rowe (12), Kate Goodsell (14), Kenzie  Muir (16) and Sean Dickey (17).

Special commendations were given to Ashleigh Cram (18), James Parry (12) and Jack Goodsell (16). 

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