There are a variety of charities which provide community support throughout Western Australia which often slip under the radar. One of those is Uniting Aid which provides amazing community support within the City of Stirling. This year marks their 40th anniversary.
In 1981 the churches in the Yokine Region Uniting Parish began a phone contact service from the Dianella church offering to assist people in the local community with emergency food, domestic help, shopping and respite support for home carers.
Caring services for people in need were extended during the first decade with training courses offered in a variety of areas including budget cooking, keeping fit classes and a free legal advice service.
These services have continued since then and evolved to become Uniting Aid today. This operates out of a purpose built facility in Nollamara.
In the last 10 years this charity has provided more than $1million in relief payments and food to 20,000 family units in the City of Stirling.
CEO Margaret Weller said they want to celebrate their amazing volunteers and all they do and continue to do for their clients.
“Virtually all our volunteers are retired professionals, and they bring their wide range of skills each day to help our clients and try to find the best solutions for them.
“It also shows what older people can achieve and how they can help their community even though they may be retired,” she said.
Uniting Aid marked its 40th anniversary with a special ceremony last month attended by City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin, along with state government local member Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA and other dignitaries.
Two of their volunteers, Charis Page and Wendy Gardner were recognised for their service to the community with two rooms at the facility named in their honour.
Volunteers are the backbone of this important service and Have a Go News was pleased to attend the event and find out about the important work this charity does week-in week-out.
Wendy Gardner was one of the inaugural volunteers of the charity. After completing a diploma in voluntary welfare studies she accepted the role of coordinator in 1983. Her administration skills, great compassion and sense of following a dream have enabled her to spread help and friendship for many years. The Uniting Aid reception room was named in her honour.
Charis Page passed away in 2020 at the age of 94 but her contributions to the organisation were abundant over many years. Her life mission was to help the underprivileged and she was described as a strong, generous and loving person. The pantry was named in her honour.
Uniting Aid is always keen to welcome volunteers or donations. Contact CEO Margaret Waller at admin@unitingaid.org.au or call 9344 3840.
