Volunteers - The Spastic Centre - Cerebral Palsy Alliance

VOLUNTEERAWARDSSpastic Centre volunteerDiane Green, is one of six finalistsin this year’s NSW Volunteer(Employee) of the Year Awards.The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are held topromote and acknowledge the outstanding efforts ofthe state’s 2.4 million volunteers.This year, The Spastic Centre nominated ING Australiavolunteer, Diane Green, in the NSW Volunteer(Employee) of the Year category.Volunteer Manager, Jackie Curnow says Diane’scommitment and dedication to The Spastic Centremade her an obvious choice.‘During 2010, Diane notched up more than 160 hoursof volunteering; a great testament to her commitmentto making a difference in the lives of young peoplewith cerebral palsy (CP). In her ‘spare’ time, Dianeworks as the Head of Finance and Reporting forING Australia, so we think she’s a superstar!’For the past four years, Diane has been involved inThe Spastic Centre’s Ignition and Emerge programsas a volunteer coach and mentor for teenagers withCP. She has also donated her time to assist at manySpastic Centre events.Jackie Curnow says, ‘Thanks to Diane’s passion andsupport of our organisation, many ING staff haveparticipated in numerous Backyard Blitz and buildingmake-over projects. This support has resulted inmassive savings for our organisation in both timeand money.’ING Australia’s CEO Harry Stout is not surprised byDiane’s nomination. ‘Anyone who has met Dianewould agree that her commitment to helping othersis unwavering, she is astoundingly passionate aboutgiving back to the community, and unbeknownst toher, is an inspiration to many.’Diane’s mentee, Emily Dash adds, ‘AcknowledgingDiane with this award would be a great way torecognise her selfless efforts. I will always look upto her and remember the wonderful things she hasdone for me.’Diane also supports the Red Cross’s Telecross serviceand sits on the Board of Star Association.5minuteswith...Bonnie BainErnst & YoungFoundationWhat is your connectionwith The Spastic Centre?I have the privilege of working with The SpasticCentre in my capacity as the National VolunteerCoordinator for the Ernst & Young Foundation.What do you enjoy most about your role?I get satisfaction from providing enthusiasticvolunteers to The Spastic Centre. It is my timeput to good use. It also serves as a personalcheck for me to ensure that I remember thatthere is more to work than clients and revenues.Favourite moment or story at The SpasticCentre?I had a group who cleared some bush atAllambie Heights. A senior partner wasattending and I was concerned that he wouldnot find the activity stimulating enough. To mysurprise, he and his team came back ravingabout the staff and the work The Spastic Centredoes! Happy staff makes me happy.Favourite saying?‘I arise in the morning torn between a desireto improve the world and a desire to enjoy theworld. This makes it hard to plan the day.’ -Elwyn Brooks White.Emily Dash and Diane Green5