ECEC volunteer Val rewarded for thirty year commitment to children

Volunteers are vital to the Australian community, with nearly 12.3 million volunteer hours accrued across the country by the most recent measure, with a total equivalent value in wages of $477.5 million. As such, supporting, acknowledging and celebrating volunteers for their wonderful contributions is of profound importance. 

 

One such volunteer is 83 year old Val, who volunteers with early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider, bestchance. Val was the recent winner of the Positive Aging Leadership Award at the Sir John Monash Awards.

 

Having volunteered in a variety of capacities with bestchance over the past 30 years, a spokesperson for the group recapped her achievements during that time, noting that “Val has given countless hours to create lasting change in the lives of children and their families.”

 

During the 1990’s Val contributed goods to a local shop, who would donate profits to a school with the intention of them being put toward school expenses and excursions. She made kitchen tidy baskets, lace-sewn hand towels, and storage boxes. She also helped with selling the items and assisting customers. 

 

At Christmas time Val has been involved with distributing food parcels and toys to local families in need. She has put together boxes of food and wrapped donated toys for hundreds of children to experience the joy of Christmas.

 

The ‘Sew and Sews’ team of volunteers has been another area in which Val has shone, the spokesperson said, adding “Val has created handmade clothing and toys for children of families receiving a service from bestchance. She brought her own sewing machine in from home to meet the growing demand for library bags, hats, smocks, dress-ups, sensory mats, cot sheets and so much more for the local kindergartens and childcare centres.”

 

Last but not least, Val has been involved in the Lion’s Club Mt Waverley Op Shop sales. Twice a year bestchance collects items to raise money for families and volunteers sell the items at the Op Shop. Through Val’s commitment to bestchance and its services, the volunteers have raised over $36,000 in profits from the Op Shop, all of which has gone towards maintaining high-quality community support. 

 

In summarising her efforts, the spokesperson said “Val’s dedication to bestchance is amazing and her consistent contribution is appreciated. For 30 years Val’s commitment, dedication and drive has added value to the lives of families and children living in the City of Monash.”

 

To learn more about the work of bestchance please see here.