AWARDS for outstanding service were handed out at the recent Hurley Weekend at the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC).
The awards were made in the name of the late Bishop Barry Wood OMI. “Barry, who died almost two years ago, had been a keen supporter of the DHC and exemplified the values that we wish to live by. The award honours staff members and volunteers who also show that they live by those values and have been recognised by their peers,” said director, Raymond Perrier.
The staff winner was Ruth Birthwhistle who runs the DHC clinic, an exceptional young woman who stepped into the shoes of another exceptional woman, Mary Ann Carpenter.
“She has shown that age need not be a barrier to taking on a leadership position and standing up for what she believes to be right. Noticeably, she received nominations not only from her team members, but from fellow managers and outside partners,” said Raymond. Runners-up were two other clinic team members, Jemima Mulubi and Mpume Fuze, and Amanda Clyde from Face2Face, the project which has taught deaf young adults to run the DHC café.
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The volunteer winner was the popular choice of Vusi Dube, a young homeless man who has been one of the longest-standing workers in the kitchen.
“His small size never stops him from doing the biggest and hardest jobs. His smile is infectious and he is always a pleasure to work alongside,” said Raymond. Runners-up were Sibahle Khumalo from the clinic and Bongani Madida from the kitchen.
The date marked three months since Paddy Kearney’s death and the Kearney family unveiled a plaque honouring him, placed symbolically in the shadow of Hurley’s statue. The plaque notes the link between Paddy and Hurley and the Marist Brothers. Several dozen people also informally shared stories about Paddy, and a Paddy Kearney Legacy Fund was announced to kick-start a plan to secure resources through an annuity.
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