Funky furniture to Civic Award for Masterton's Mabel

WELCOME CHANGE: Civic Award winner Mabel Trueman started coming to Te Awhina Cameron Community House for something to do, and ended up a committed volunteer.

When Mabel Trueman's daughter first encouraged her to take some classes at Te Awhina Cameron Community House, she didn't expect it would lead to a community service award.

The Masterton resident, solo mum of three and grandmother of one was honoured at this month's Masterton District Council's Civic Awards for her volunteer work with the community hub on Masterton's East Side.

Mabel is a regular member of Te Awhina's volunteer team, and can be found at the Stuart Cres house most days -- greeting visitors, helping with children's programmes and working bees, and running her own courses.

She was also nominated for her work with Lakeview School, where she helps with its Breakfast Club, and runs a "walking bus" to and from school.

Persuaded by daughter Michelle, also a Te Awhina volunteer, Mabel visited the hub last year, needing something to keep her occupied.

She attended Te Awhina's "Funk Up Your Furniture" course -- and it wasn't long before she was turning up every day.

"Michelle said, 'Mum, you have to start coming to Cameron House' and I said 'um, why?'

"I took a set of drawers along with me to paint -- and I had so much fun and felt so comfortable

"It was worth my while, because it was something different from sitting at home alone, not doing anything and getting bored.

"And now I'm giving back to the community."

As one of Te Awhina's volunteer team, Mabel's main duties include housekeeping, booking spaces for courses and meetings, sorting food donations, and caring for visitors.

Many of the clients are from low-income households and are struggling to make ends meet -- so a supportive and non-judgmental environment is vital, Mabel said.

"We don't ask 21 questions -- just make them a cuppa and help them feel at home," she said.

"Some people just need to talk, so you sit and listen.

"A lot of people on the East Side don't have vehicles, so it's hard for them to go to groups and classes in town.

"Plus, some people are lonely and need company."

Mabel later helped with the upgrade of McJorrow park's playground, assisting project manager Kereana Sims with the administrative side and helping lay stones and bark.

She also volunteers with Connecting Communities' school holiday programme and has become one of the tutors at Te Awhina's after school homework groups.

More recently, Mabel and son Sean have started teaching a children's Cook Island drumming and hula class, and she also helps run some of the arts and crafts courses.

"It's cool working with the kids, because I'm learning new skills," she said.

"Doing the Cook Island drumming is awesome, because I'm connecting more with my culture.

"And I've discovered a creative side of myself I never thought was there."

She has also enjoyed building relationships with Lakeview pupils through the Breakfast Club and walking bus.

"The kids come in smiling knowing breakfast is there for them," she said.

"They know I'm there to chat and to listen, and they enjoy my company."

Mabel said she was "shocked, nervous and happy" to receive a Civic Award, and was also moved by Lakeview's kapa haka group's haka of appreciation

"It made me happy cry. I feel good about myself, and feel a sense of belonging," she said.

"And my kids and grandson are proud of me."