The purpose of the Helping Hand Award is to recognise any individual or group of Toastmasters in District 74 who has/have, during the previous Toastmasters’ year, given a helping hand to other Toastmasters or to District 74, by going the extra mile and doing more than was expected or necessary. This could be in the field of membership growth, new clubs, help in educational achievements, assisting with getting in late semi-annual dues, or sorting out administrative, contest or people problems.

The award, which is presented at the Toastmasters Conference in October each year, was donated to Toastmasters District 74 in memory of John. In addition to the floating trophy, winners receive a certificate with a citation.

Previous Winners of the Award

2007 - Tony Lopes

When asked why he had received the award, humble as ever Tony replied, "There are so many other Toasties that are worthy of the award, but I think I was the lucky one. Receiving the award makes me think of, ‘Give and you shall receive’".

It was much more than luck that earned Tony the Helping Hand Award, however. Tony was President of the Egoli Golden City Club in 2006/07, and through his continuous support, motivation and assistance the members of the club achieved Distinguished Status. Tony currently resides in Secunda but still attends the preparation meetings as well as the actual meetings of the club, which is based in Johannesburg. At conferences, Tony (with the help of other able-bodied members) transports members to and from the conference, and ensures that they are well looked after. This in itself is a selfless task. It takes a lot of time and effort to assist the members of this club, yet Tony always does so with a smile on his face, making him a worthy recipient of the Helping Hand Award.

2006 - Dave Cairns

Anyone who knows Dave knows that his tongue is firmly in his cheek, so it’s no surprise that when asked what he had received the award for, he said, “What had I done? I don’t know, I am sure somebody else should have been nominated.” However, in a rare moment of seriousness Dave went on to say, “When they called my name that night I felt a sharp moment of sadness. John was my friend. I could just see his smiling face and him nodding his head.”

It was Dave’s suggestion that the name of the trophy be changed from simply, the Helping Hand Trophy, to the John Whiffen Helping Hand Trophy. “The Helping Hand Trophy was in my study for a year, and I always felt it was missing his name, thus my letter to the family for the change,” explained Dave.

2005 - Tony Lydall

When one gets involved with a club like Egoli, it’s not for recognition or reward, but because the members need support. It’s their courage and perseverance against the odds that keeps you going. Of course, the help and support we receive from all those who assist at our meetings is invaluable, and I guess the reward is seeing the growth in everyone involved.

2004 - Beth Thomas

Being nominated to receive this award is very special - you don't expect to receive it. It’s really just about getting on with what you are supposed to be doing when you should be doing it; about helping others without making a big fuss of it. So it really comes as a great big surprise to be acknowledged in this way.

John and I spent the weekend before his tragic accident in Malawi facilitating some training. It was a beautiful balmy evening on the shores of Lake Malawi and we were with a group of Toastmasters that we had been with all weekend; people who had enjoyed John's magnetic and fun personality, coupled with his sincerity.  At one stage our conversation took on a serious note and he shared with others the fulfilment and joy he received from being part of Egoli Golden City Toastmasters Club, and talked of some of the fun and joyous moments he experienced as he saw members learn to master and achieve goals.
 
It was an honour to serve in Toastmasters with John, and to have been a recipient of this beautiful trophy.