Mary Farrugia
- Location:
- Cairns
When Mary Farrugia arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom in 1946, the Red Cross were so helpful, she wanted to return their kindness. This year, 96-year-old Mary marks 40 years of volunteer work with the Cairns Red Cross Blood Service.
Mary started serving tea and coffee at the Donor Centre in 1967 and later became a donor bed attendant. In 1976 she took on the role of Blood Bank Committee Chair and has volunteered in a number of jobs including the annual Red Cross collection and sewing for Red Cross shops.
Mary’s dedication and commitment have been acknowledged with awards by the Red Cross and the Cairns City Council. She has made an enormous contribution to her community — ask any blood donor in Cairns and they will all know Mary on a first-name basis. She is an integral part of the Red Cross family.
Mary rarely misses a week tending to blood donors. Even a hip operation didn’t hold her back for long. Her husband Tom, a blood donor himself, drives Mary to and from the Blood Bank every Tuesday. They have both also been active in their local community over the years with the Lifesaving Club, the Cairns Swimming Club and the Cairns Rowing Club.
The Cairns community is justifiably proud of Mary and hold her in the utmost respect for her generous spirit and willingness to help people in need.
Last updated: 19 August 2008.