Y-Drive programme, Y stalwart recognised
Long-standing YCentral South Island board member Barrie Suter shows off his Y New Zealand Presidential Award. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The Y Central South Island has been named the recipient of two nationally recognised awards.
Following the Y NZ conference held in Wellington recently, the CSI Y-Drive team received the Y that Catches the Eye award for their outstanding Driver Licence Support mahi, and long-standing Y board member Barrie Suter received the Y New Zealand Presidential Award for distinguished service to the Y Central South Island.
Y-Drive is a programme designed to open doors to members of the community who might otherwise miss out and gives them the chance to be independent and self-sufficient, and to progress into employment and be socially connected.
The programme has grown from 2022, when three driving instructors were employed, delivering more than 100 class 1 driver licensing test passes, to now employing five active driving instructors, delivering 1500 driver licence clients and in the past year helping more than 700 class 1 driver licence hopefuls pass their tests.
In a statement, Y Central South Island chief executive Keith Shaw said he thrilled to see Mr Suter recognised.
"Barrie was instrumental in establishing our YMCA Butler Street Trust and has continued to serve as an association trustee since inception.
Celebrating their Ythat Catches the Eye Award win are Y-Drive team members (from left) Sharyn Kake, Liz Law, Ange Rattray, Jacinta O'Connell-Shanks and Dave Blaikie.
"Barrie is a dedicated and hard-working trustee, who gives of his time freely and generously to support the mahi that we undertake in our communities.
"This latest recognition for his support comes after he was awarded life membership of our local Y in May last year, and we are thrilled that Barrie continues to contribute significantly to both YMCA Inc and YMCA Butler Street Trust."
Mr Suter joined the Y Central South Island board in 2013 and also served as its chairman for five years.
— APL
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