By CHERIE DONNELLAN
BEST friends Grace Chatterton and Ruby Treloar never expected a parliamentary award for “hanging out” with aged care residents at Grovedale.
The girls said they were happy just to “have fun” throughout their 10-week volunteer stint at Alan David Lodge while completing grade six at Bellaire Primary School last year.
“We painted residents’ nails, did craft and made food and things for (the lodge’s) annual fete,” said Grace, 12.
“I liked hearing all their stories,” added Ruby, also 12.
The girls arrived at the lodge after Ruby’s mother, Tanya, told them about a Barwon Health volunteering initiative to achieve a junior Rotary club award.
Grace said she and Ruby were “surprised” to receive National Members of Parliament Junior Volunteer awards for their services.
“I didn’t know even we were entered until mum said ‘You won an award’.
“I was like ‘What? Oh, cool!’.”
Both girls said they were “honoured” to receive the award.
Ruby encouraged other children to donate their time for its “rewarding” impact.
“It was a new experience for us and it gives older people reassurance that kids of our generation aren’t all bad.”
Grace and Ruby said they hoped to continue volunteering once a fortnight to maintain the relationships they formed with the lodge residents.
Federal Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman declared the girls a “valuable part of Australian society” when he presented them with their awards last week.
“Grace and Ruby have shown a level of commitment to their community, and a real desire to help others that’s particularly great to see in young people,” he said.
