26Sep2016
D
Long-serving volunteer, Margaret Lay has retired after almost four decades of service.
Long-serving volunteer with the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Margaret Lay has been presented with a prestigious award in recognition of almost four decades of service to the mothers, babies and families of Western Australia.
The 88 year-old Mrs Lay was today presented with a Volunteer Service Award by Minister for Seniors and Volunteering, the Hon Paul Miles MLA as part of a special ceremony held at the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia.
For 38 years, Margaret has been a dedicated volunteer; providing support to families following the loss of a baby, as well as clothes, blankets and essentials to disadvantaged women and newborns.
She retired from her position as volunteer co-ordinator in March 2016 but said it had been a “magic journey”.
“Today’s award is very humbling and makes me wonder where all the years have gone,” she said. “When I look at the final result, I think that is reward in itself. It’s been an enormous piece of my life and I’ve loved it all and I feel very proud of what it’s achieved.”
WIRF Volunteer Coordinator, Jenny Reid said that during her time, Margaret had put together thousands of ‘grief packs’ to provide information, support and comfort to families through the hospital’s perinatal loss service and established a group of volunteers who knit and sew clothing for baby bundles that are given to parents in need.
“We are so proud of Margaret’s work and dedication to the mums and babies at King Edward over the years,” Ms Reid said.
“Margaret’s dedication has been a fantastic example for our family of volunteers who provide critical support services across a range of departments and services including the hospital café and gift shop, op shop, perinatal loss service, social work, physiotherapy, the Centenary Clinic and nurseries. Her award could not be more deserved.”
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