Husband and wife clock up a staggering 50 years of volunteer work
On 2 February this year, George Surman (above with wife Val) ended a 17 year marathon effort as a volunteer driver for the Mersey Community Care Transport Service, which began on 20th August, 1997. In that time George kept a record of all of his driving statistics which include, driving 250,155 km’s and completing 6,254 of volunteer hours.
George started recording these statistics, primarily, to ensure that if any speeding fines or damage was incurred on vehicles that he drove, he would know whether or not he was the culprit.
George said “I have really enjoyed the driving, but for the past few years I had to cut back, but this is due to restrictions of my own mobility”. George also said “I have enjoyed my voluntary role and helping the clients and have always thought that perhaps somebody might do the same for me one day.” Due to ongoing mobility issues George finally called it a day earlier this year.
Val Surman, George’s wife, started volunteering with Mersey Community Care in 1983 and recalled a funny story when providing respite to a client. Val said “The man I was looking after was bed ridden and as soon as his wife left to go shopping he asked to have a cigarette in bed. I was scared stiff the house would catch fire, but it was pretty funny when I think back on it.”
Val went on to say, “I always volunteered in what was known as the Visiting Service and, after spending time with the clients, I always thought that I didn’t have anything to complain about. Most of the clients just want company and someone to talk to and I enjoyed giving my time to spend with these people.”
After serving Mersey Community Care as volunteers for many years, George and Val are now both clients and would like to encourage others in the community who need assistance around their home, with transport or would just like someone to visit, to contact Mersey Community Care for assistance.
If you would like to find out more about the services provided by Mersey Community Care, please phone 64248883.
If you are interested in volunteering with Mersey Community Care, Community Information Days are being held on: Thursday 27th August in Sheffield, Thursday 10th September in Latrobe, Monday 21st September in Ulverstone and an Open Day will be help at our premises on Friday 25th September between 11am and 2.00pm.
Kathryn Edmunds Operations Manager Mersey Community Care Association Inc. 167 Steele Street | PO Box 286 Devonport TAS 7310
