By Jamie Salter
Four local ladies are celebrating 15 years of serving their community at the Berwick Red Cross.
A morning tea was held to acknowledge the efforts of June Whittingham, Corry Van Dieman, Pauline Sinfield and Sue Lawrie who have been with the store since it opened in 2007.
Reaching the major milestone came easily to the women, which they attribute to one anothers company and work ethic.
At 84 years old, Pauline has decided to retire from volunteering but said she was going to miss the Berwick store.
“We came and got the shop ready before it first opened,” she said.
“Our volunteers at the shop are absolutely wonderful and without them it wouldn’t run.”
She said volunteering was a good way to keep busy and spend time with like-minded people.
“At my age, it gives you motivation and gets you up everyday meeting new people rather than being stuck in a chair everyday,” Pauline said.
Described as an “eternal optimist”, Corry plans to reach 20 years as a Red Cross volunteer.
She said she adores the treasures that can be found at the store.
“I dress in all Red Cross clothes and I haven’t gone to a normal shop for at least two or three years – if I can buy it here, why not?” she said.
“It’s all going to a good cause and you can get some beautiful items here.”
Corry said she would always remember the time she was “locked up in jail.”
“I went to get rid of the rubbish in the skip bin and the door shut automatically and wouldn’t open with the keys. I was locked in for about 10 minutes until someone from across the road came and I managed to get the keys to her from under the door and she could open it from the outside!” she said.
On Friday 25 February, retail area manager Chris Drossos presented the women with certificates to recognise their achievements, which was followed by speeches.
“I’m very proud and I feel very blessed, 15 years is incredible loyalty to any organisation and to volunteer for that long says a lot about the kind of people they are,” he said.
“We meet every month to discuss our ideas and solve issues and the girls are very passionate.
“There’s a lot working against us in this location being in the laneway and at the back of the supermarket, but it’s because of the volunteers that the store continues to be successful.
“There’s very little we can do to thank them for their work.”
