The Bega Valley Shire Council announced their Australia Day citizen awardees last week, including Anglicare volunteer, Flo Young who was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year!
Flo Young has been active in the community of Eden for over 50 years. For nearly 30 of those, Flo voluntarily managed the charity op shop, Sapphire Surprises, which she helped to establish and from where she, and a few others, first organised emergency assistance for vulnerable community members.
Kerryann Fitzpatrick, who now manages Sapphire Surprises said, “From early on, the shop offered emergency relief, supplying food and essentials to people in the surrounding area, and Flo was key in this part of the operation”.
Flo has made herself essential to the Eden community in many ways through the years. In addition to helping plan the annual Eden Combined Churches Deb Ball, serving on the Nullica Lodge Committee for 8 years and on her local church vestry and parish board; Flo has baked cakes for cake stalls, served on the P&C, helped out at junior sports clubs, and organised the St John’s Christmas hampers for vulnerable families.
Anglicare now partners with the Sapphire Coast Anglican Church to run Sapphire Surprises and Flo continues to volunteer at the sprightly age of 83! When asked why she does it, Flo simply responds, “Why not?”
“Flo has lived her life in Eden for the community”, said Kerryann. “She is a quiet and dignified person who does what is needed with a no-fuss approach. We are so lucky to have her!”
Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the community and your commitment to vulnerable families throughout your region!
