Fairhaven looks for bingo volunteers

A small group of dedicated Peninsula women have been running bingo in local clubs to raise money for Fairhaven Services for decades.

They are now looking for more volunteers to join them.

Fairhaven's fundraising manager Ms Sarah Williams said the many volunteer hours that the women had contributed over the years was immeasurable.

The volunteers believe they too benefited from their involvement in the popular fund raising activity, according to Ms Williams.

"The bingo ladies have said that some of the value for them is improved mindfulness and concentration, improved eye-hand coordination and an opportunity to make new friends," Ms Williams said.

"One volunteer's doctor even recommended she take it up for improved health and wellbeing," she said.

Several long-term "bingo ladies", most of whom were already at least semi-retired from paid work, were now looking to retire from their fund raising duties, and Fairhaven is looking for some fresh recruits.

Ms Williams said male or female volunteers would find social inclusion, sense of community and being valued as well as making a real contribution to a good cause.

"We'd love to talk to them.

"The women say that the qualities that might make someone a great fit for their volunteer team are having an eye for detail, a head for figures and being a people person."

The volunteers will join 10 retired and semi-retired women, many of whom have been on the team up to 30 years.

"They can join the team directly, or get the training and be on standby," said Ms Williams.

"They'll make lovely friendships and get lots of support.

"They typically do a three to four hour shift, some in the day, some in the evening, so there's a variety of options."

For more information, contact Ms Williams at Fairhaven Services on 4349 5500/

SOURCE:

Media release, 10 Oct 2017

Sarah Williams, Fairhaven Services