|
|
2003Ric Paterson
Tasmanian of the Year 2003Ric PatersonRic
Paterson has spent over 40 years giving to the Tasmanian People. He has been the
voice of the Royal Hobart Show for over 20 years, and has played Santa for
Hundreds of Local charities, including the annual Hobart Christmas parade. Ric
is a keen supporter of young Tasmanian, founding the ABC Giving Tree
Children’s Choir and regularly hosting the Young Performer Awards. He is a
major player in the local concerts and festivals, including "Symphony Under
the Stars", The Tulip Festival, Centenary of Federation Concert and school
fetes. In
2002, Ric Paterson celebrated 15 years of the highly successful state-wide ABC
Giving Tree. A project he founded in 1988. The ABC Giving Tree provides a focus
for the collection of donations to Tasmanian based charities for the
distribution to needy children and families at Christmas. Organisations such as
the Salvation Army, Hobart And Launceston City Mission, Red Cross, St Vincent De
Paul and Hobart and Launceston Benevolent Society
have all participated in the ABC Giving Tree over the years. Ric
is the driving force behind the project, which to date has generated over two
million dollars and assisted thousands of families throughout Tasmania. Although
Ric like to say that he is the "hot air" at the top of the Giving Tree, he
is actually the chief instigator. His boundless energy inspires colleague, volunteers and many community organisations that participate. In 2002, the ABC Giving Tree received over $95,000 and more than 22,000 gifts – its biggest figure yet. Ric
Paterson is a family man with family values. Born and bred in Tasmania, he and
his wife Vicki have raised five children and have no plans to move interstate.
Ric is always the first person to put up his hand when it comes to promoting
Tasmania. He is an active member of Rotary and regularly talks to charities and
community groups about growing up in Tasmania and life on radio. As a
broadcaster for over 40 years, Ric has maintained his love of the state through
regular interviews, outside broadcasts and his role as compare. In 2003 Ric
Paterson secured the title as the number one broadcaster in Southern Tasmania
with an outstanding ratings figure of 28 percent at Breakfast. |
|
