Some special people, it seems, were born to help others.And for this week's Local Hero winner, the statement couldn't be closer to the truth.
Clare Ebelewicz, 30 from Horsham, has devoted a large proportion of her life to supporting and developing needy communities here in the UK.
Starting out from her days as chairman on Horsham Youth Council to her career with Horsham District Council on the authority's community development team, Clare has always been in the thick of everything community.
Clare was responsible for developing vital local services including the launch of Journey to Work, a successful work experience programme for 18 to 24-year-olds in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, and the opening new youth clubs in a number of villages including Broadbridge Heath and Cowfold.
But at the end of this month, Clare will be taking on ventures new when she travels to Africa to help support local communities in Swaziland.
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She'll be volunteering with the SHAMBA Trust - a charity that aims to empower disadvantaged women, children and young people in poor communities to gain access to resources and services that help alleviate poverty and the burden caused by HIV/AIDS.
Clare said: “Over the last ten years, I have enjoyed many adventure travels and back-packing in Asia, Africa, South America and Australasia.
“I would like to continue to travel, while contributing to community development overseas.
“I believe my year with SHAMBA it is an excellent opportunity to combine the experience and skills that I have gained from my career and UK voluntary work with desire to work with communities abroad.
“I feel I have accomplished a lot in my career, designing, implementing and managing numerous major community and youth projects.
“This opportunity will also enable me to continue myself development as well as help others grow.”
Clare is funding her own travel costs, insurance, medical expenses and living expenses while volunteering in Swaziland and, with help, she would like to arrive with a donation for the SHAMBA Trust.
Donators can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a week's holiday in France, plus other prizes, for £2 each or 3 for £5.
Donations of £2.50 Buy a Brick to help build a kitchen and pre-school in Ntambande and £4 buys breakfast for 18 pre-school children for a week.
To buy raffle tickets or make a donation, e-mail Clare on cebelewicz@yahoo.co.uk.
Hundreds of heroes go almost unnoticed in our local communities.
But The Argus is determined to give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.
We have teamed up with housing repair and maintenance company Mears to launch our weekly Local Heroes Award.
We are inviting readers to nominate their candidates and tell us why they have put them forward for the award.
Contact Ben Leo on 01273 544682 or email ben.leo@theargus.co.uk.
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