GALLERY | Community house thanks its volunteers

The RCH team presented attendees with a certificate and pin as a token of appreciation.

“This is just a little way of us saying thank you to you, our volunteers,” manager Amanda Logie said.

“We actually couldn't do half of what we do without the volunteers.

“They do say volunteering is very good for your soul and that is really evident... we know that you are here because you want to be here, and what you give back to the community is invaluable.”

At RCH, volunteers play an important role in programs like the Foodshare, the Rochester Community Garden and Men’s Shed, along with the committee of management.

“We have seen many volunteers come and go,” Ms Logie said.

“Some volunteers who really touch our hearts, and we are really, genuinely devastated when they leave.”

One volunteer in particular, Tom Murphy, is officially retiring from his post at the age of 98.

Ms Logie reflected on the value his volunteering had brought to the organisation over the years.

“The joy that you bring into a room every single time you walk into a room, it’s just incredible,” Ms Logie said.

“The way you can connect with so many different people at so many different ages.

“It’s been an honour to actually have spent (time) and worked with you for so many years, so thank you.”