PRESIDENT RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS

Share and Care Club says farewell to Lorraine Cooper

LORRAINE COOPER 37 years as Palm Beach Share and Care Club president

SHE was a struggling single mother to five young girls but that didn’t stop Lorraine Cooper from finding ways she could help others.

Ms Cooper, 78, is retiring as Palm Beach Share and Care Club president after an incredible 37 years of service.

The club was started after community health nurse Ellen Strahan noticed so many of the elderly and disabled clients she visited were socially isolated.

She approached her friend Ms Cooper about starting the club 39 years ago (Ms Cooper had a short break in her presidency) and since then they’ve helped hundreds of people escape loneliness.

“I’ve always been a volunteer in the community,” Ms Cooper said.

“I started out with the Currumbin nippers, coaching and training. I’d come out of a bad marriage so I was very nervous and shy and never dreamt I’d be up on stage with a microphone, hosting.

“All these years it’s been a labour of love and I’m so happy I’ve been able to make a difference to people’s latter lives.”

As well as organising regular morning tea events complete with entertainment, the club puts together bus trips and birthday parties.

“There is so much you can learn from older people,” Ms Cooper said.

“A lot of people had to be talked into coming initially. They were reluctant and had closed off their lives.

“But it really has been a blessing for everyone involved.”

After 53 years on the Gold Coast, Ms Cooper is retiring to the Sunshine Coast to live with her eldest daughter and grandchildren.

The new president is Doreen Long.

Visit palmbeachshareandcare.com.au or call 5535 6036 to get involved.