VOLUNTEERING FROM THE HEART

​Their smile says it all, as Pamela Andrewartha and Raelene Granthon received their Certificate of Recognition for being ‘Outstanding Volunteers’ with Samoa Victim Support Group.  And these two childhood friends from Canberra and South Australia have a reason to be all smiles, as they are the first ever volunteers with SVSG to have received such honorary recognition, and well deserved one at that.
 
Proud in their flora locally made dresses, Pamela and Raelene shared with SVSG on why they kept coming back to help out at the Campus of Hope; Pamela being her third time and Raelene’s second time.   Says Pamela, “I remembered when I first came in 2015, and how I was put on the spot from the start, that this is Samoa, not Australia.  I did not realize the relevance of that reminder until I worked at the nursery shelter, and seeing the marvelous job these people were doing with the meager resources they have.  Simply amazing!” 
 
After 6 weeks of volunteering at the Campus, with all their expenses self-funded, our honorary volunteers are not calling it quits yet.  Despite their age and the difficulty of travelling, they are willing to continue with their support, if not here in Samoa, then in Australia through hosting members of SVSG when they visit.
 
This is the extent of the growth of the SVSG Family, as Pamela and Raelene have become the latest addition.  Pamela has sealed her membership further with a tattoo.
 
SVSG President acknowledges on behalf of the Patron, the hearts of these ladies to volunteer for SVSG.  “As the first ever volunteers to be recognized for ‘Outstanding Volunteer’ work, you should be proud of yourselves, just like how we are proud of you both.”  Siliniu Lina Chang.
 
Pamela and Raelene will return home to Australia on Saturday, but they will always be remembered as the ladies with the hearts.