Henare Honoured for Humanitarian Heart

Flaxmere Councillor Henare O’Keefe has received one of the Lions Club’s highest honours for his contribution to his community.

The Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust Honoured Membership is awarded by the Lions Clubs District 202M, which covers 65 clubs from Ruatoria in the north to Levin in the West and to Wellington in the South, and it is only the second time in its 30-year history that it has been bestowed on a non-member.

Councillor O’Keefe and his wife Pam have fostered more than 200 children over the years and together are involved in a number of programmes, trusts and organisations which help improve prospects for youth in Flaxmere.

At a surprise ceremony at yesterday’s council meeting, Cr O’Keefe received the award from Trustee Simon Domper, Zone 3 chair Mark Yeatts, Incoming Zone 3 chair David Sorensen and Havelock North Village Lions president Scott Walker.

The award comes with a sum of money which is invested in Cr O’Keefe’s name in the Charitable Trust. The income earned from the investment is given by the Trust to community projects being undertaken by local Lion's Clubs.

Cr O’Keefe was overwhelmed by the surprise award and quickly pointed out that his wife Pam and mother Paki O’Keefe, both present for the ceremony, deserved credit for their own work and support.

He referred to the lessons learnt growing up as one of 11 children in poverty.

“Poverty is no excuse to fail and it’s certainly no excuse for abuse.…I will continue to serve without expectation or want of reward and treat others as they should be treated,” Cr O’Keefe said.

To see Cr O’Keefe receive his fellowship award got to You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld4paSuZYkY