INTRODUCING THE NEWEST VAN TO OUR FLEET - WHAEA DEBZ!
To launch our third service and welcome our newest laundry and shower van to the streets of Aotearoa, we invited Kiwis to nominate a community hero who deserved to be recognised by having the van named after them.
After receiving more than 80 submissions, Debbie Munroe - locally known as 'Whaea Debz' - was given the top honour! She was chosen by a judging panel consisting of the Mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff, Team Leader Homeless Service at Auckland City Mission, Wilf Holt, Orange Sky Auckland volunteer, Nicola Kueh and Simplicity Charitable Trust (the organisation who funded the van) trustee, Frances Arns.
Debbie is a local Auckland hero who dedicates her entire existence to helping the most vulnerable families and members of her community in Manurewa.
Debbie runs the Waka of Caring Centre in Auckland - a hub providing food, clothes, blankets, books and connection to those experiencing homelessness or hardship.
FINALISTS
Debbie was chosen ahead of two other strong candidates for the naming of Orange Sky’s newest van:
Fiona Anderson
Anderson has served the Piha community in multiple ways for over 15 years. She runs the Piha Domain Motor Camp and is affectionately known as 'Camp Mother'. She offers the use of the grounds free of charge to low-decile Ranui schools for an annual camp and helps provide food for the children during their camp stay. Anderson is also a senior officer for the Piha First Response Unit, hosts a 12-step programme for alcoholics and recovering drug users, and has previously received a Queen’s Service Medal.
Retiring Children’s Commissioner, Andrew Becroft
Becroft has served low-income and under-represented New Zealanders his entire career – from his Mangere Law office days to becoming an active promoter of restorative justice and advocacy for children as Children’s Commissioner. Prior to becoming the Children’s Commissioner, he was the New Zealand’s Principal Youth Court Judge. Throughout his career, he has been widely commended for protecting the children of New Zealand and others who don't have a strong voice.
Help more people like Howie
Whaea Debz is on the streets of Aotearoa six days a week supporting our friends like Howie.
If you would like to support Orange Sky to continue to grow our services and help more friends across the country, like Howie, please donate now.
