It was a day of kind acts, rolling up sleeves, mucking in and doing something good.
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Today, July 25 was DoSomthingDay, a day of reverse kindness for local charities and volunteer organisations.
Forster Ronald McDonald Family Retreat site manager, Rhiannon Curtis was delighted to be greeted by a large group of eager volunteers armed and ready to do their bit.
“To walk in and see this hive of activity makes my heart sing,” Rhiannon said.
“This is something special,” she said.
“It means we are not spending precious funds.We are a community based fund, and it seems a little bit more heart goes into the work when it is done by a volunteer.”
For many families, a holiday at the retreat with support and understanding away from the stresses of caring for an ill child is often a first, Rhiannon said.
“At the same time, there is a spin off affect for the Great Lakes with holidaying families returning home and telling their friends about the area,”
Many families return, along with the friends, and some have settled permanently, she said.
The year’s DoSomethingDay was perfectly time for the retreat which annually sets aside this part of the year to undertake maintenance and repair work in preparation for the coming spring/summer period.
Working under the direction of contract gardener, Mick Lanton, 20 volunteers, including Hawks rugby league club members and Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club staff members, spent much of the day undertaking general gardening duties, mulching, weeding and watering.
Organiser, Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club CEO was chuffed with the number of volunteers who stepped up and offered their time.
“The volunteers came from all parts of the community,” he said.