Community service award for thrift shop owner
Owner of Ettalong thrift shop Finders Keepers 17, Ms Carmen Wells, has been awarded a NSW Government Community Service Award "for her tireless work in the community".
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said Ms Wells was "an absolute community champion" and a worthy recipient of the award who should be congratulated.
"Carmen is an extraordinary local who has a deep passion for caring for her local community," said Ms Tesch.
"She has continuously gone 'above and beyond' in our community, and she is a worthy recipient of this award who should be congratulated for her work with and for our community."
The money raised from Finders Keepers goes to local charities such as Mingaletta, Vietnam Veterans, Umina Men's Shed, and to food donations go to Foodbank.
Ms Wells says it all stems from a passion for helping people, and she loves to celebrate with the customers.
"I have a passion for helping people.
"I grew up in a family of nine, and my husband grew up in a family of seven.
"We've always wanted to give back.
"We saw what charities did for our families. I always said when I have time I want to give back.
"I love to hear the stories.
"We celebrate with customers. We have cakes.
"We just want to give as much as we can."
Ms Wells said: "Behind this award is my beautiful husband.
"He went back to school at 37 to become qualified to 'test and tag', so our shop was compliant. I wouldn't be here without him.
"Thank you to our beautiful volunteers. They're our anchor."
SOURCE:
Media release, 17 Mar 2023
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford