Peter Manwaring. Photographer: David Baylis
Camera IconPeter Manwaring. Photographer: David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Bingo volunteer raises funds for cystic fibrosis

Laura PondStirling Times

A LOVE for bingo and helping people has earned Peter Manwaring a WA Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mr Manwaring won the Community News People’s Choice Spirit of Volunteering award for his efforts running bingo nights to support charity Conquer Cystic Fibrosis.

He said he was “very humbled” to receive the honour.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“The feeling was just overwhelming; it brought a tear to my eye,” he said.

Mr Manwaring started his first Bingo for Conquer Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser in Midland eight years ago after he and his wife Lisa spent years helping at a similar event raising money for the former Royal WA Institute for the Blind.

He now co-ordinates 13 volunteers at three events a week in Midland, Balcatta and Madeley and has raised $1 million for the charity.

Quarterly ‘mega roller’ events are run in Balcatta, offering a main prize of $10,000 and attracting up to 600 people.

“Every dollar raised goes straight to helping people with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Manwaring said.

Peter Manwaring with Conquer Cystic Fibrosis committee members Paula Butchart, Susan Andrews, Fiona Byrne and Wendy Endebrock-Brown.
Camera IconPeter Manwaring with Conquer Cystic Fibrosis committee members Paula Butchart, Susan Andrews, Fiona Byrne and Wendy Endebrock-Brown. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Manwaring volunteers in addition to working full-time and on bingo nights will usually be away from home from 5.30am to 11pm.

“What keeps you going is quite simply the kids,” he said.

“These kids battle with this every day, and of course the parents (do |too).

“It really chokes you up, it’s what drives you to do more.”

The events raise up to $300,000 annually for the charity but Mr Manwaring hopes to increase this to $400,000 and encouraged people to attend.

“It’s an opportunity to win a bit of money and at the same time help out a really important charity,” he said.

The next mega roller is at Balcatta’s Vasto Club on June 5.

More volunteers awarded

FOUR local residents have won Volunteer Service Awards.

The State Government recognised volunteers who had committed 25 years or more to one organisation at a ceremony during National Volunteers Week on May 22.

Doubleview’s Alison Martin, Jean Wyder, of Watermans Bay, and Wembley Downs resident Kath Snashall received awards for their service to the Zonta Club of Perth Northern Suburbs.

Hamersley resident James Leonard was recognised for his role as a Justice of the Peace for 25 years.