A WOMAN who worked tirelessly for seven years in support of the island's young people was yesterday rewarded for her volunteer efforts.

Rosette Richardson received a CableVision Community Service Award for her work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS). She joined the charity in 1999 as treasurer and for the past four years has served as board president, although her presence was felt in areas outside those roles.

"We are proud to honour Ms Richardson today and are pleased to present her with a Community Service Award," said Alan Smith, assistant general manager of Bermuda CableVision. "Her passion for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and her dedication to children and youth in Bermuda, is truly commendable."

Said a BBBS spokesperson: "Rosette Richardson joined the board of BBBS in 1999 and was named treasurer in her first year. From 2002 to 2006, Ms Richardson held the position of president of the board.

"In this capacity, Ms Richardson liaised closely with the organisation's executive director on programme administration. She also chaired several committees including the events committee which oversees the planning and execution of Bowling Day, Kite Day, 'Big for a Day', the annual camping trip, the Christmas party and the BBBS appreciation luncheon. For the past several years, Ms Richardson led the scholarship committee and was instrumental in the creation of an application form and the establishment of guidelines for recipients. She also worked to ensure proper administration of the selection process.

"As president, Ms Richardson chaired the Strategic Planning Committee where she worked closely with all programme chairs to ensure appropriate input into the yearly budget and the execution of the short and long-term goals of the organisation."

Minister of Community Affairs & Sport Dale Butler presented Ms Richardson with the CableVision award yesterday during a ceremony at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

"Rosette Richardson's charitable spirit is inspiring," he said. "By helping to improve the lives of Bermuda's young people through positive mentoring and leadership, she and other volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters are impacting the lives of the 'littlest' members of the organisation in a significant and meaningful way.

"I am honoured to be here today as Ms Richardson receives a Community Service Award."

Similarly, Ms Richardson expressed her honour at being recognised for her genuine efforts.

"I am pleased to be recognised by Bermuda CableVision today and I would like to thank the company for honouring me with a Community Service Award," she said.

"At Big Brothers and Big Sisters, we are committed to helping children learn values, responsibility and what it means to have fun in life. This award today is an important validation of the work that we do, and for that I am grateful."

In acknowledging those efforts, Bermuda CableVision will donate $1,000 to BBBS.

Ms Richardson was selected as a recipient of the quarterly award by a committee comprised of CableVision employee Rollin Nathan, Bermuda Broadcasting Company personality Everest DaCosta, DeFontes radio host Shirley Dill, police media manager Dwayne Caines and community activist Cromwell Shakir.

The next award will be presented in October. Members of the public are invited to nominate Bermuda residents who have shown "outstanding community service through participation in a school, church or charity organisation, or through their own determination".

Nominations can be sent to Rollin Nathan at rnathancablevision.bm , or mailed to the attention of Rollin Nathan, Bermuda CableVision, PO Box 1642, Hamilton, HM GX. For further information, visit www.cablevision.bm