Christine Stride is Executive Assistant to the Baptist National Leader and works at the Baptist National Support Centre in Auckland. She is a member of Titirangi Baptist Church in Auckland.
Don Benn is not standing for any political party, but he still wants your vote.
Don, who attends St Albans’ Baptist Church in Christchurch, is one of three finalists in the running to receive a share in the Westfield Local Heroes $30,000 community grant.
If he gets enough votes, the money will go toward kai support initiatives at Neighbourhood Trust, which is based at St Albans and is where Don works in community development. Neighbourhood Trust was established in 1999 to enable the people of St Albans Baptist Church to be more active in serving their community.
Vote for Don here! Voting closes at 8pm on Monday 8 September 2025.
On any given day you’ll find Don distributing food, running gardening workshops, mentoring dads and supporting seniors. His hands-on initiatives, from kai support for those in hardship to social support for the over-60s, help creating positive and lasting transformation for individuals and their whānau.
The successful hero is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist receives a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
If Don is successful, the money will help fund two Community Development Workers at Neighbourhood Trust, and the establishment of healthy cooking workshops.
Don, who has previously worked in pastoral roles at St Albans, was one of 46 nominees for the Westfield Riccarton award.
Don says his job of walking alongside people who may be struggling with some aspect of life brings him joy and satisfaction.
“Matthew 25:34-40 is a constant reminder to me that in doing the work I do, I am effectively doing it to Jesus himself. I have great satisfaction in my role when I realise that I get to serve Jesus every day.”
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards programme that spotlights individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
VOTE HERE 2025 Westfield Local Heroes
Photo: Supplied
