Couple are a salvation

A PLAQUE hangs in Centro Cranbourne Shopping Centre in honour of the tireless work Gordon and Ann Chippett do for their community.
And it’s a fitting recognition given the Cranbourne couple have devoted their time during the past 25 years to helping those in the community who need it most.
As volunteers with the Cranbourne Salvation Army, the pair are familiar faces at Centro because that is where they do most of their work.
Throughout the year they regularly volunteer their time at Centro to collect donations for the Salvation Army.
And come Christmas time they are there most days for three weeks for their annual Christmas Appeal and gift wrapping to raise money for families in need throughout the festive season – something they have been doing for 24 years.
“Everyone knows us, we’ve been there so long,” Mr Chippett said.
He said they became involved with the Cranbourne Salvation Army shortly after moving to Australia from England.
“When we came to Cranbourne, we were looking for a church and that’s about when the Cranbourne Salvation Army was starting up,” he said.
“We are ordinary people ourselves and we know what it’s like to be scarping to make ends meet.
“We’ve had six kids ourselves and we have been there and done that. We wanted to give back to the community.”
Mr Chippett encouraged other to become involved in volunteering.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said.
“You don’t get paid in money, but in the rewarding experience it gives you knowing you are helping people.”
To become a volunteer with the Cranbourne Salvation Army call 5995 1433 to find out more.
The Cranbourne Salvation Army will have volunteers at Centro daily until Christmas to gift wrap for a gold coin donationfrom between 9am and 5pm.