A PERSONAL trainer who has raised thousands for charities has been named Kingston’s citizen of the year.
Daniel Maitland organised a 28 kilometer charity relay run last year to raise money for the Stroke Foundation. The cause is one close to Mr Maitland’s heart – his sister suffering a stroke at just 28 years of age.
Through his Training With Mates group, he has raised upwards of $20,000 for charity.
At the annual 26 January ceremony, Yvonne Hong was handed the Outstanding Citizen Award and Pantry 5000 was named Community Group of the Year.
Ms Hong runs Pets of the Homeless, an organisation which works to keep people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and their pets together.
Pantry 5000 is a charity which provides groceries and a safe place for people in need.
The mayor Cr Steve Staikos said “the winners and nominees have all made outstanding contributions across a wide range of areas in Kingston. We have some incredible volunteers in Kingston and these awards are a great way to thank them for their efforts and acknowledge the positive impact they make.”
The winners accepted their awards at Kingston City Hall on Australia Day. Cr Staikos said reflecting on the importance of Indigenous Australian history was an important part of the day.
“Our area has a rich history, which dates back tens of thousands of years to our first Australians. Council would like to acknowledge that, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have great pride in their heritage, this day reminds them of past loss, and these feelings are a legitimate part of this national day,” he said.
“Whilst we needed to limit the number of attendees to ensure that social distancing was possible at this event, we know that this is a significant moment in many people’s lives which they want to share with friends and loved ones. Council is happy to provide its new citizens and award winners with a free recording of the event, to give them an opportunity to relive this momentous occasion.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 3 February 2021
