Barbara Ward, Managing Director of the San Foundation was awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation for her volunteer contributions in the community on Wednesday 21 May 2014. This was part of the 25th anniversary of National Volunteer Week which was launched to recognise the contribution of volunteers in NSW.
Apart from a very demanding day job Barbara has generously given up her time to “do good” in the community for the past 21 years. This has included helping homeless people, cooking for older people in our community, overseas aid, teaching Sunday school and scriptures at Gordon East Primary school, helping individuals in need or simply fundraising for worthy causes. Barbara also sits on a number of Charity/Not-For-Profit Boards where she uses her skills to help these worthy causes raise their profile and funds whilst turning these organisations into sustainable and viable businesses.
In accepting her award Barbara said she was humbled. “I am passionate about our community and the people who are not so fortunate – a small act of kindness goes a long way sometimes. I don’t do it for recognition or money I just love making people happy – it’s a privilege”
The celebration was attended by 200 guests along with a number of Members of Parliament. National Volunteer Week is a chance for the community to celebrate the powerful contribution that volunteers make to our lives. Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello said the Government’s $30,000 contribution to the award fund is recognition of the importance of volunteering in NSW.
“This year our State’s $2 million plus volunteers will make a contribution worth an estimated $5 billion to our economy. Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many facets of our society, including aged care, emergency services, environmental management, healthcare, sport and tourism – all of which simply could not operate effectively without them.”
