Ruth Austin - Volunteer

Mrs Olive Grigg of Freshwater believes Mrs Ruth Austin is an unsung hero, as she has devoted many decades to caring for and supporting her community. Olive nominated Ruth as a Community Hero so others can be inspired by her generosity.

“Ruth is so modest – hardly anyone knows just what she does and has done.  She deserves to be recognised,” Olive said.

The following is a list of Ruth’s volunteer work spanning two decades:

• Ruth organises ‘Operation Christmas Child’ every year – a project of ‘Samaritan’s Purse’ – in which shoeboxes covered with Christmas paper are individually filled with Christmas gifts for children in Africa and third world countries.

• For 20 years Ruth has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer through Manly Hospital.

• Ruth is a regular volunteer for Lifeline at Dee Why and helps run its annual book sale.

• Ruth instigated ‘Wraps With Love’ at St Peter’s Uniting Church in Freshwater and collects and distributes the wraps.

• Ruth organises a local ‘Knit In’ to coincide with the ABC’s ‘Knit In’ each year.

• Each week Ruth visits Parkhill Cottage and does pastoral care work.

• Ruth is the President of the Ladies’ Fellowship at St Peter’s and coordinates outreaches and fundraising activities such as the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

• Ruth is also a member of the Worship and Mission Committee assisting her Minister with pastoral care.

• Ruth volunteers at Harbord Community Library and leads a committee.

• Ruth is a regular volunteer for the Bill Crews’ Exodus Foundation at Ashfield and organises a local Collection Food Box and helps to pack food parcels each Christmas.

• Each week Ruth volunteers at Harbord School and helps students improve their reading.

In addition to all her community work, Ruth cares for her mother and babysits her grandchildren whenever she can.

Ruth is an asset to Freshwater and we congratulate her for being a Community Hero.