WORTHY HONOUR
Rare Cancer Society accolade for volunteer Barbara Day
Barbara Day of Pahiatua has been presented with a Cancer Society Life Membership. Barbara received the honour at the Bush Multi-sport complex before members and friends and all of her family, joining three other life members.
Over 30 years ago Barbara joined the Pahiatua Volunteer Group of the Manawatu¯ Cancer Society as one of the original volunteers.
Ever since she has been active in a management and support role co-ordinating Daffodil Day in Pahiatua, volunteering in the Relay For Life Survivors Tent and distributing Sunsmart Resources to events such as Wha¯ nau Ora Day and the Kevin Laskey Cycle Tour.
These are the more public features of her service, but her support for cancer sufferers, especially in their greatest times of need, is even more significant, the society said.
She has organised meals to be delivered to patients and their families, arranged to get patients to their appointments and set up baking bees to supply Addis House in Palmerston North so that patients and staff are supported.
Barbara was embarrassed at being singled out for Life Membership, saying it was a group award.
She said other volunteers and their spouses have all been kind and dedicated to the cause of alleviating suffering, which has made her task as coordinator in Pahiatua much easier.
“Since I have known Barbara she has always been a willing and supportive person,” Tararua Field Officer Shirley Walker said.
“I just need to contact her to ask her to do anything in the community and it gets done.
“She by herself will do it or a volunteer is contacted. Barbara is a very caring, dedicated Cancer Society volunteer and is very worthy of this Life Membership Award.”