Local disability support worker, Indigenous mentor and role model, April Crutcher, has been named one of only 10 Real Heroes as part of a Laing+Simmons statewide campaign.
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April will receive a $5,000 donation as a token of appreciation for her tireless volunteering and caring efforts.
Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie principal Chris Koch and company managing director Leanne Pilkington presented April with the donation in recognition of her work in the local Indigenous community, her role as president of several committees, and her involvement in many different charitable groups.
April was nominated by her student liaison officer Kristie Daley.
"I saw what the Real Heroes campaign was about and thought April was an ideal person to put forward because of what she's been through, and the way she has selflessly involved herself in so many different initiatives," Ms Daley said.
The Laing+Simmons Real Heroes campaign is about acknowledging the 'unreal efforts of real people' in the local community, from coaches to carers, volunteers or just regular Aussie battlers that deserve special recognition.
Members of local communities across New South Wales could nominate anyone they consider a Real Hero, with the company giving away a total of $50,000.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Charles Sturt University, April is a single mum of three children, one with disabilities. She's overcome plenty of adversity to date, coming from a low socio-economic background after her father passed away when she was 14, to become the first person in her family to attend university.
She became a mother at 17, overcoming the obstacles and stigma of being a teen parent, then had the courage to leave a domestic violence relationship. She now dedicates her time to raising her family and giving back to the local community she calls home.
April said being named one of the Laing+Simmons Real Heroes was a genuine surprise.
"This was unexpected and very much appreciated. I don't see myself as any kind of hero and I really just want to give back to a community that's been good to me," April says.
Mr Koch was thrilled to present April with the $5,000 donation.
"We love the local community and we've been fortunate enough to be a part of the fabric of Port Macquarie for many years. People like April who contribute so much to our community, and ask nothing in return, are what makes Port Macquarie truly special," Mr Koch says.
"The Real Heroes campaign is one way we can say 'thank you' for all she does and the difference she makes in the lives of so many locals. It's a well-deserved honour and we hope the support we can show her helps her continue to help others."
As for how April plans to spend the money? Turns out her children have demonstrated a financial acumen beyond their years.
"I asked the kids if they would like to go on a holiday, perhaps to the Gold Coast," April says.
"They said 'No. Let's put it towards our house deposit instead'."