2 days ago
Tireless supporter's work recognised
Taking a break from Friday Club kitchen duties are newly-named dignity champion Kerry Burton (left) and her mother Patricia Andreassend. PHOTO: SHELLEY INON
A selfless Timaru grandmother has been named an honorary Age Concern dignity champion.
Kerry Burton received her award at Age Concern South Canterbury's Friday Club last week.
Miss Burton said she did shed a few tears when receiving her award.
Dignity champions are nominated by people in Age Concern nationwide, to celebrate those who have made an impact in their area, supporting the wellbeing and upholding the dignity and value of older people in the community.
While a person was celebrated every month of the year, there had not been a Dignity Champion in South Canterbury for two years.
Miss Burton said she had been a street child at the age of 15.
While her mother had made a point of telling her the door was always open, she had found it difficult to give up that life.
She said she would steal clothes off clotheslines to keep warm.
Two decades ago Miss Burton had gone to church and changed her life around.
She was a mother to five children — Aleisha, Amy, Alannah, Shikota and Danielle — and a grandmother to 15 grandchildren, one of whom, 4-year-old Storm, lived with her.
"She's slow in her development, and has just started to walk.
"We have had a journey with Storm, but she is my little angel."
Despite having her hands full, she had decided 12 years ago give back to the community.
She had been a key volunteer at the Friday Club for over a decade, cooking lunches for the event and even getting her mother Patricia Andreassend to volunteer too.
She had also prepared lunches at Oceanview Heights School and served on the school's board of trustees.
The Age Concern South Canterbury nomination said she had "quietly made life better for many".
She said the place allowed her a spot to smile, joke and be silly.
"They give me a hard time, always asking 'are you smiling today?'.
"I love this place."
