Volunteer rewarded

As the cost of living continues to climb, the need for assistance is greater than ever, according to Peel Foodbank branch manager Caroline Cox.

Mrs Cox says the Mandurah hunger relief organisation has seen an unprecedented increase in need over the past year, with the number of meals distributed up by more than 100 per cent on the same period last year.

She said the volunteers who gave their time were now more important than ever in keeping the operation ticking over.

“We have about 30 volunteers, who donate as much or as little of their time as they can,” Mrs Cox said.

“We present an award to one volunteer each year, in recognition of their dedication to Foodbank.”

San Remo grandmother Cath O’Reilly received a pleasant surprise last week when she was named 2014 Peel Foodbank volunteer of the year.

Mrs O’Reilly said she had not expected to receive the award, presented by Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone at an awards breakfast on Tuesday last week.

Mrs O’Reilly said she had been volunteering at the Reserve Drive centre since November 2012, and prided herself on helping out as much as she could.

“It was lovely to have a surprise photo shoot with the Mayor — I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.

“My husband and I moved here from Victoria and it has been a lovely way to meet new friends and stay connected with the community.”

Mrs Cox said Mrs O’Reilly had been invaluable in helping with administration tasks and various other duties.