RILEY WALTER
THE Riverland Red Cross has farewelled three volunteers after a combined 30 years of service.
Ken Schwarz, Jim Walker and John Formby called time on their service and were celebrated with a retirement lunch held last month.
Deb Muller, Riverland and Mid-Murray Regional co-ordinator for the Red Cross, says volunteers are crucial for the organisation to keep operating.
“Without the volunteers we wouldn’t have the service that we have,” she said.
Mr Schwarz, who was a volunteer driver for 20 years – first with the Berri Barmera Council before joining the Red Cross – said the role combined several things he enjoyed.
“For me it was a win-win situation,” he said.
“I like meeting people, I like helping people and I love driving, so it was all there. I met a lot of nice people…and very interesting people.”
Now with spare time on his hands, Mr Schwarz will look back fondly on his time helping the community.
“It was gratifying, very gratifying to work with the people that I did,” he said.
“The staff at the Berri Barmera Council were terrific and the staff at the Red Cross in Berri were terrific…
“All the other volunteers were all really good people to work with.”
The Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers and anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ms Muller at dmuller@redcross.org.au or alternatively, on 1800 334 882.