Youth Institute Honours Ray King for Decades of Service to Local Youth

The Youth Institute of Ashburton District Charitable Trust has recognised long-serving volunteer Ray King with a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding contribution to youth development in Mid Canterbury.
Ray has been the driving force behind the Trust’s annual Kickstart youth leadership programme since its inception in 2002. Over the past 23 years, he has organised and led the five-day seminar for Year 8 students from schools across the district, helping hundreds of young people build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.
The Kickstart programme is one of several key initiatives run by the Youth Institute, which was established in September 1999 by the Rotary Clubs of Ashburton and Ashburton Plains. Its mission is to:
  ·Create opportunities for youth and their families in the Ashburton District.
  ·Support existing youth facilities and groups.
  ·Promote awareness of youth needs and work to address them.
Since its formation, the Trust has initiated, encouraged, and supported successful youth programmes.
Among its long-term commitments is fully funding the CACTUS physical training and mentoring programme, delivered by the Ashburton Safer Community Council for more than 20 years. This has been made possible through donations from organisations such as the Lion Foundation, the Mackenzie Charitable Trust, and the two Rotary Clubs.

In presenting the award, Youth Institute Chairman Rod Hooper praised Ray’s dedication and leadership:
“Ray’s energy, commitment, and passion for helping young people grow have left a lasting mark on our community. The Kickstart programme has given countless students the tools to step forward as leaders.”

Ray King receiving Certificate of Appreciation from Youth Institute Chairman Rod Hooper