Last Monday’s blues were pushed aside for the local Opportunity Shop on Station Street, Pakenham, as a surprise award from the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade graced their doors.
Stan Hamilton, dressed in full uniform and adorning his medals, decided that the best way for the members of the op shop to receive their recognition award was for him to deliver it himself.
Entering the shop’s humble premises on Monday, 28 July, he was greeted by its volunteers, the look of surprise and glee painted on their faces.
Bev Burley, one of the shop’s volunteers, said that “we felt quite honoured”.
“We felt honoured that he took the time to come down here and give it to us,” she said.
The awarding night in Upper Beaconsfield was held as a show of gratitude to the many organisations that have donated proceeds and other items to the brigade, an even that unfortunately, the Station Street shop could not attend.
Bev said that normally, two volunteers would make the trip up north, however, due to other commitments, were not able to this year.
“We had to you know, unfortunately send an apology letter this year because we just didn’t have someone who could go up,” she said.
“But then, seeing Stan out there, it was a really good surprise to see the award still come to our door.
“We felt a bit like, we were letting them down, but when he took the trouble to come down here, it was heartwarming.”
The volunteers, along with Stan, gathered for a photo to commemorate the surprise, as the op shop’s volunteers were more than honoured to house the plaque.
Bev said that Stan had always been a stalwart figure for the shop, recalling the support he had provided its volunteers during events such as the Yakkerboo Festival.
“The whole thing was great, we’re honoured and impressed,” Bev said.
