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Faith in Action: Margaret Lewis, a beacon of hope for Lifewise’s Merge Community
Lifewise — November 19, 2023
In a humble acceptance of the Kiwi Bank's Local Hero Award, Margaret, the heart and soul of Lifewise's Merge Community initiatives, deflects the spotlight, declaring, "It's not about me, it's a team effort."
Affectionately known as ‘whaea’, her kind, warm, and understanding approach has cultivated a sense of family within Merge Community, dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction issues, and heartbreak.
Margaret's selfless dedication was evident in her immediate response to the award. Her team attributes its greatness to her leadership, emphasising the collaborative nature of their achievements. This recognition is not just for Margaret; it's a celebration of the whānau-led approach championed by Merge Community.
A recent triumph for Margaret is the Ringa Wera initiative, which addresses the challenge of access to healthy food. Through her connections, she secured a commercial kitchen, providing chefs a space to practice their skills. Earlier this year, she played a pivotal role in organizing a fundraising dinner, featuring chefs benefiting from the Ringa Wera cooking school.
Margaret's commitment to social justice and community building extends to her advocacy work, notably in the "Stuck in the 80s" campaign. She played a pivotal role in raising the abatement level for people on benefits who aspire to work, embodying the Methodist values of justice and compassion.
Winning the New Zealand Local Hero Medal is more than recognition for Margaret; it's validation for the Merge Community's incredible work. This award inspires courage, affirming their mission to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Congratulations, Margaret — a true hero who proves that not all heroes wear capes, but perhaps they deserve one.
