September 16

Alison was nominated for the World Harmony Run Torch-Bearer Award by Debbie Tangohau of the Rotorua Social Services his long-standing service to the Rotorua community.

Volunteering has been a life-long passion for Rotorua's Alison Perrin. Her own mother and father were big on getting involved with the community which helped the family settle in Rotorua and get to know people many years ago.

It is a tradition Ms Perrin has continued with a range of musical, volunteering and sports groups. Almost 30 years ago she started working with the Citizens' Advice Bureau and later spent 12 years as a paid co-ordinator.

"It's something I am passionate about because without it I do not know where people would go to get information. It is often the first port of call.''

Ms Perrin now works for the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust but still continues to volunteer at the CAB. "You learn so much yourself about what can go wrong and what you can do.''

A musical upbringing has also continued into later life. As a registered music teacher she has been involved in a wide range of groups and events such as the Rotorua Music School and the NZ Aria Trust and she has worked with the Rotorua Competitions Society for a decade.

"With the competitions I would have been there anyway so I might as well be helping,'' Ms Perrin said. Through her three children, who are now adults, Ms Perrin has served on Parent Teacher Associations at three schools and has worked with the Rotorua Gymnastics Club, Rotorua Scouts and the Western Heights Athletics Association.

"When you have a family, you do a lot of things with the kids and get involved that way. It just fits in with what you are doing and often you are not working full-time then.'' But society is changing with an increasing number of families with only one parent or two parents who are both working and Ms Perrin said volunteers were harder to come by.

"I think people are missing out on being involved in the community. I have made a huge number of friends and love working with volunteers. You know they really want to be there and are passionate about what they do. They are not getting paid so that's their only motivation.''

Ms Perrin has also volunteered for ROSSCO and the Rotorua Nightshelter Trust and her lengthy service list led to her receiving a Harmony Run medal in September for her efforts. "You give what you can,'' she said.

– Andrew Warner (Daily Post – Rotorua Newspaper) 26-09-08