Yusuf Corten knows what it’s like to go to sleep hungry and never wants anyone else to feel that.
From his central Nelson kebab store he offers free meals to anyone who needs them, and it is this generosity that has seen him named as a local hero medalist for the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year.
Yusuf lost his wife in January last year after a battle with cancer and faced losing his business as he came to terms with his new life as a single father of three.
He continued to offer free meals despite his plight, and the community rallied around him.
After injuring his hand a little over a month ago, he was forced to temporarily close his store.
Popping in to check on things on 5 November, his birthday, a courier happened to arrive at the same time.
“I thought ‘what’s this, a birthday present?’ and opened it up, Yusuf says.
It was a medal and award acknowledging him a local hero.
“This present is much better than a million dollars, it’s a feeling present, it’s awesome,” Yusuf says.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office says it is with great pride they present the 100 Kiwibank Local Hero Medallists around the country to a group of exceptional and diverse Kiwis, each taking extraordinary action to better our communities and our nation.
Individually, they are everyday people having meaningful impact in their respective communities. Collectively, these outstanding individuals remind us of the true spirit of New Zealand and reflect the mana of this prestigious award.
“If there has ever been a time to celebrate those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the well-being of our country, it’s now,” says Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank chief executive.
“It is a real privilege to honour the creative, selfless and visionary people that help make us proud to call Aotearoa home.”
Yusuf says he will keep the awardand medal but won’t hang it in the shop as he doesn’t like to show off. It is not the first award he has been given.
“I’ll keep it for my kids, my daughter, when she’s older and I’m passed away she will know she had a good dad.”
Yusuf says he helps others because he comes from a poor family and is lucky enough to have also experienced a good life.
“I’ll never forget my old life, when I have money and a job, I share. This one comes from my family.”
Yusuf has a new partner Colleen who he pays tribute to for making life better.
“I am very lucky she is in my life. She is for me, my best friend, she’s like my mum, dad, brother, sister, she’s my everything, she’s always thinking of me.”
Yusuf will continue to help those in need and welcomes anyone having a hard time into the Kebab Kitchen.
