Volunteering Week – let’s hear it locally for the Red Cross at Woolgoolga Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 21, 2021 Anne Dodsworth, Honorary Secretary of Woolgoolga Red Cross. NATIONAL Volunteer Week – May 17 to 23 – is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers, acknowledging their vital and generous contribution to our communities. News Of The Area looked within the locality and had a chat with the Red Cross in Woolgoolga. Volunteering with the Woolgoolga Red Cross sees Annette Dodsworth, Honorary Secretary, working across a variety of services. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “As Emergency Service Team Leader I help out with any emergencies such as the recent Corindi floods in February,” Annette told News Of The Area. “We go out with the SES and do welfare checks on residents, give them food, accommodation, advice on how to get further assistance, whatever they need at the time.” Annette also works with the Hands-On Program at the Woolgoolga retirement village where volunteers go into the Aged Care Centre and give the residents hand massages or paint the ladies’ nails. Another initiative close to Annette’s heart is Trauma Teddies. “Knitters in our community knit the teddies which are then given to children during a crisis; it’s something to hug and keep them calm,” she said. “The children love them in any trauma-type situation.” The knitters also do mini versions for the premature babies. “They create a little Care Pack with a tiny blanket, teddy and beanie.” The Friendship Afternoon Tea at the local Woolgoolga Senior Centre is another local initiative that brings the community together. “Local musicians, school choirs and dancers come along and give a performance – everyone loves it,” said Annette. There might be a sing-along, quizzes and raffles. “It’s all about Social Inclusion and everybody is made welcome,” she added. The most famous event for the Red Cross at Woolgoolga is Christmas in November. “Everyone gets a present from Santa and all the kids make cards and give them to the oldies.” Woolgoolga Red Cross volunteers meet every second Tuesday of the month at the CWA Rooms in Woolgoolga at 1.30pm. Annette and the other friendly volunteers would love to see you. Phone: 0409600056 or email: annettedodsworth@bigpond.com. By Andrea FERRARI Getting involved – volunteers at Red Cross Woolgoolga.
