LIL Donald would volunteer for Food Rescue everyday if she could.
Two or three days per week will have to do for the Waterford resident (76) at the UnitingCare West’s Belmont-based site, which is set up to help disadvantaged people.
“It makes me feel good to know I’m helping the less fortunate,” she said.
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READ NOW“We help lots of people from single mothers to migrants and so on.”
Mrs Donald’s efforts have been recognised as she has been named as a finalist in Volunteering WA’s People’s Choice Spirit of Volunteering Award, which will be announced on May 10.
“When I found out I was nominated I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to give a speech’ but it’s very nice to be a finalist,” she said.
“All the finalists deserve the award, they are all quite impressive.
“I just hope one of my bosses give the speech for me if I’m lucky enough to win the award.”
Mrs Donald’s role at Food Rescue is the first time that she has volunteered anywhere.
“I’ve been involved with Food Rescue since 2012 after my husband knew the woman who used to run it,” she said.
“She suggested to me that I should do it after my mum passed away that year.
“I’d never done volunteering before because I was busy looking after her but I thought it was a great idea.”
Mrs Donald said her role included sorting through fruit and vegetables and creating hampers.
“We are all friends here, it’s a team effort to get the job done,” she said.
Long-time South Perth resident Neil Johnson, who has recently moved to Walpole, is also a finalist in the same category.
Mr Johnson has been actively volunteering in the community for over 54 years, with various organisations including Parkerville Children’s Home, Perth Zoo, Old Mill, Historical Society and Young Australia League.
He has willingly accepted any task in his volunteer roles, including termite collecting to feed numbats at Perth Zoo, shaking fundraising tins and running events for Parkerville.
Expecting nothing in return, volunteering is in Neil’s blood and his service has contributed to the community in many ways.
Cast your vote
Choose your most deserving at www.volunteeringwa.org.au.
The volunteer with the most votes will receive the 2017 People’s Choice ‘Spirit of Volunteering’ Award
Voting ends this Sunday (April 30).