Christmas came early for two amazing people who have a passion for serving our community, thanks to Vodafone Cook Islands.

Terii Taura’a Simpson from the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA) Tepiri Clinic, and artist/tattooist Reikorangi Ellison were recipients of the Christmas kikau kai loaded with $500 of yummy food and drinks from Vodafone.

The telecommunication company received over 80 nominations for people who have made a positive impact in the community, who serve and have compassion, across the Cook Islands.

For winning the competition, Simpson and Ellison both received a Christmas kikau kai from Vodafone marketing manager, Bonnie Emile, on Tuesday.

Ellison was nominated by his younger sister Raukura Ellison for his dedication to helping men in the community through the Movember Cook Islands initiative, creating safe spaces for men to talk about mental health issues.

Reikorangi Ellison (third left) is one of the two winners of the Vodafone Christmas Kikau Kai prize for a person who has a positive impact in the community. Vodafone Cook Islands /24121914

Simpson was nominated by CICWA executive officer Susan Sadaraka for her incredible 53 years of service to the nation’s nonprofit organisation which has been running for 91 years.

Sadaraka would have loved to nominate all their deserving members, but was limited to only one.

“Terii stood out as she has been serving Cook Islands Child Welfare since 1971. As well as serving Child Welfare for 53 years, Terii has served on the National Council of Women for 10 years, she is a deacon in her church and has been heavily involved in her community,” Sadaraka said.

“Because of the interest she takes in our mama’s and caregivers, and the love and dedication she shows to her community, Terii consistently achieves the highest attendance of pēpes (babies) at our Paunu checks on Rarotonga.”

Sadaraka said Simpson deserved the Christmas Kikau Kai since she is always putting her community’s needs ahead of her own.

The CICWA vision is for safe and better health care for babies, motherhood and fatherhood in the Cook Islands.