Val Ferguson
- Location:
- Carseldine
Val Ferguson celebrates 50 years of volunteer work this year and, thankfully for the community, she has no plans to retire. As a committed volunteer Val has contributed her time, care and practical know-how at schools, nursing homes, community organisations and in her current role running the waiting room at the Chermside BreastScreen Service.
For 21 years Val has been there with a smile and a cup of tea. Her quiet and gentle manner has helped to guide many a nervous lady through what can be a very distressing time. Always the innovator, Val has recruited other women to be volunteers with BreastScreen so that the service now has a volunteer to greet clients in the waiting room every day of the week.
At 81 years of age Val is a role model for staying fit and healthy. She teaches exercise classes and line dancing at the Holy Spirit Home in Carseldine where she lives. She also collates and distributes the residents’ newsletter each month and makes sweets for the fundraising stalls. When Val sees something that needs to be done in her community she gets in there in her humble way and does it.
Val began her lifelong dedication to volunteering in 1957 at Wavell Heights State School and later at Wavell Heights State High School. For 40 years she worked in the bookshop, tuckshop and ladies auxiliary and as the flower arranger for school events. This work raised vital funds for the school and supported growing families in the community.
Through her initiative, desire to help others and generous spirit, Val has made a real difference to the lives of the people in her community. There should be more people like Val.
Last updated: 19 August 2008.