Tara Murray
June Ivory has spent more than half her life volunteering at Footscray Hospital.
The 91-year-old was last week recognised by Western Health for 50 years of volunteering as part of its annual volunteer celebration. The event was held to mark National Volunteer Week.
Mrs Ivory said she had never imagined reaching 50 years of volunteering at the hospital.
“I didn’t think I would even get to 90 [years old],” she said.
“It’s really, really good. A lady who lived in my street… She asked if I wanted to join and I said yes.
“You didn’t work in those days.”
Mrs Ivory started working in the shop at Footscray Hospital before manning stalls and taking up knitting for the hospital.
She also sold fruit from trucks in the carpark at both Sunshine and Footscray hospitals to raise money.
She said the biggest change in her 50 years of volunteering was the number of people at the hospital these days and the increase of volunteers.
“I’ve met a lot of people along the way,” Mrs Ivory said.
Among others recognised, was Charlie the border collie, who has been a volunteer at Sunshine Hospital along with handler Sue Harvey for five years.
Western Health normally has 650 volunteers, along with students, through community engagement programs.
Western Health recognised 121 volunteers at the lunch for their years of volunteering. This recognised the 2020 and 2021 awards due to last year’s awards not going ahead.
