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Gilbert Hay
Gilbert Hay's work for Pillars, the Christchurch-based charity that provides support services for the children and families of serving prisoners, was recognised recently with a Civic Award presented to him by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
Gilbert has served the Board of Governors in a volunteer capacity for 10 years, the last 9 as president. He has led the organisation from a small non-profit group to a professionally recognised body with a clear vision and mission.
Gilbert led the recent expansion in Auckalnd and similar branches are planned for Hamilton, Gisborne, Wellington and Dunedin.
Gilbert meets with Pillars' Chief Executive on a weekly basis, providing wisdom, counsel and invaluable legal advice. He ensures that the board sticks to its governance roles, and does not stray into operational areas.
With his modesty and quiet wit, he is held in the highest esteem by staff and board members alike. Click here for full story
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Roberta Soper (Deceased)
One of our volunteers was awarded the Rotary Club of Riccarton's Young Totara Award for her contribution to the community and her remarkable role modelling. Diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at the age of 15, Roberta Soper endured rigorous treatment and groundbreaking surgery to replace her femur and knee and her heart and kidneys have been permanently affected. Click here for Roberta's remarkable story.
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Brett Lindsay
Volunteer Brett Lindsay is committed to making a difference. He is honoured for his work with PILLARS, an organisation that supports people with a loved one in prison. Click here for Brett's story.
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Shirley Page
Shirley Page quietly works behind the scenes with the Teddy Bears Group made up of 3 and 4 year old children of prisoners. Click here for Shirley's story.
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Jade - Volunteer Mentor
Becoming a mentor for Pillars has been the most satisfying commitment I have made in the past year. It has added a whole new dimension to my life, and I believe it has made a positive impact on my mentee. In fact I have been quite astounded in the transformations that X has made in her life this past year. I think every mentor / mentee relationship is different - each child faces their own issues and each mentor brings a different background and approach to the relationship. It takes time to build up a good rapport and trust but once those foundations are there then there is definite scope to start to influence - whether it be through doing new things together (building confidence), talking through challenges (problem solving) or just being a role model for how to live. My mentee and I have spent time focusing on how to make her school life happier - she was able to identify the problems and try out new solutions. She has made huge efforts in her schooling and has already made a transition from truant to achiever and from troubled to happy in her everyday life. Most of the time we spend together is simply "fun time" doing new things together so that when we need to focus on the problems in her day to day life we can do so without it being 'weird' or awkward to do so.
The wrap-around services that Pillars provides (with supervision and social work support etc) means that her caregivers now seem more positive and the family seems more functional. Overall I believe the process of matching, mentoring, social work and supervision support has huge potential to positively impact on the families involved. The process works! And I am thrilled to have got to know X and be a supportive person in her life - I am very proud of her and I really enjoy the time we spend together. She is a great kid with a heap of potential, and it is really neat to see her starting to move in positive directions!
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