Dorothy Scanlan, Faye Henderson, Pat Steer, Corrie Vermeltfoort, Marion Anderson and Ann White from the Narre Warren Arthritis Self Help and Support Group receive long and outstanding service awards from Arthritis Victoria’s Zanne Kawalsky.43222 Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Kelly Yates
VOLUNTEERS from the Narre Warren Arthritis Self Help and Support Group have scored awards in recognition of long and outstanding service.
Arthritis Victoria health educator Zanne Kawalsky presented the awards to seven volunteers during a self help group meeting last month.
The Narre Warren Arthritis Self Help and Support Group provides general support for people of all ages with arthritis.
Award recipients run warm water exercise sessions at the Dandenong Valley School in Narre Warren, with an average attendance of 15 per class.
All of the volunteer leaders are trained by Arthritis Victoria.
The outstanding service awards were presented to Juliana Deak and Corrie Vermeltfoort, who both became water exercise leaders in 2005.
Marion Anderson and Pat Steer were recognised with five-year service awards, while Ann White, Dorothy Scanlan and Faye Henderson were acknowledged for 10 years of service.
Ms Henderson, from Narre Warren South, said she was proud to reach the 10-year mark.
She joined the group in November 1998, currently holding the title of treasurer.
“I joined the group because it does a lot of good for people who suffer from arthritis,” she said.
“It’s volunteer-based so without the exercise leaders, the club wouldn’t exist.”
Ms Henderson said the Narre Warren Arthritis Self Help and Support Group had almost 100 members.
