Two of MercyCare’s longest serving volunteers have received a state-wide award this week, acknowledging their incredible devotion over the past 50 years to the not-for-profit organisation.
Octogenarian volunteers Dot and Bill Harris, from North Beach, have clocked up a combined 100 years of volunteering with MercyCare in Wembley, having spent the past 50 years devoting their time to serving others.
Dot and Bill were among 16 volunteers who were honoured at a ceremony in Parliament House last week, on Wednesday, 10 December, where they were presented with the prestigious 50 Years of Service Badge by Seniors and Volunteering Minister, Tony Simpson.
The husband and wife duo first became involved with MercyCare way back in 1964, when Bill offered to help work on the boilers which supplied water to the orphanage that the organisation then operated.
From that point on, there’s little the pair haven’t turned their hand to over the years, helping out whenever and wherever help is called for, all in between juggling their own business and raising their four children.
Fifty years on, Dot and Bill continue to be regulars at MercyCare’s Early Learning Centre, where they play a grandparent role reading books, helping fix toys and telling stories.
MercyCare Chief Executive Officer Chris Hall congratulated the Harris’ on receiving the high-profile accolade.
“The 50 Years of Service Badge is a much-deserved honour for Dot and Bill, whose tireless contribution to the community over the years warrants recognition and reward,” he said.
“MercyCare wouldn’t be what we are today without the support of all our volunteers, Dot and Bill included, whom we can’t thank enough for their ongoing volunteering over the past half century.”