Published on Monday, 18 May 2020 at 8:51:36 AM

Photo: Byford Baptist Church community pastor Don Warner (right) with the Free Food Market volunteers.

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is recognising the contribution of local community groups for their efforts in response to COVID-19 as part of National Volunteer Week celebrations.

Two short videos will showcase volunteer-run services, which have stepped up in the wake of COVID-19 to support the community.

Led by community pastor Don Warner and run by volunteers, Byford Baptist Church provides a Free Food Market on Thursday mornings to community members in need.

The service has run for the past three years, however, since COVID-19 the church have seen the number of people seeking help each week double to more than 120.

Karen Nattalotto, owner of Mundijong-based All Things Craft and Dolls, coordinates a volunteer craft group out of her business and over the years the group have made blankets and beanies for those who have lost personal belongings from natural disasters.

In response to COVID-19, Mrs Nattalotto and her volunteer craft group answered the call to make bags for nurses from Rockingham Hospital to take their uniforms home in, as well as more than 500 facemasks, which are being distributed from various locations including the Mundijong Pharmacy.

Shire President Cr Michelle Rich encouraged the community to look out for the heartwarming stories, which will be published on the Shire’s website and social media channels this week.

“The service that both the Free Food Market and craft group have provided has been extremely important in helping our community get through the current situation,” Cr Rich said.

“In most cases, without volunteers, important services like these simply wouldn’t exist.

“Thank you to Karen and the Don for their work in driving these projects, as well as their army of volunteers.

“On behalf of the Shire I would also like to thank each and every volunteer in our community for their hard work and contribution to making Serpentine Jarrahdale such a spirited community and a great place to live.”

If anyone knows a deserving volunteer, they can nominate them for the Shire’s Volunteer Recognition Program throughout the year.

The monthly winner receives a $100 voucher to a local restaurant of their choice. People can nominate someone by visiting www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/volunteer-recognition-program

Videos:

Byford Baptist Church - Free Food Market

All Things Craft and Dolls - Volunteer Craft Group

Back to All News