Bunyips History Red Cross Part Two — The Opportunity Shop and Community CareIn part two we remember how the Bunyip & District Red Cross grew from its wartime beginnings to become an important First Aid service.we continue the history originally compiled by Mrs Joyce McDermid in 1985, celebrating the volunteers who raised funds, supported families and cared for people throughout the district.While members of the Service Company were busy teaching First Aid and attending community events, the branch continued raising the money needed to support the work of the Red Cross.For many years, a garden party was held at the home of Mrs Merle Roy. When the weather was unkind, the celebrations moved into the Bunyip Hall. In later years, Mr and Mrs Burt of Tonimbuk generously opened their beautiful garden for branch events.Crazy Whist evenings, themed afternoons and the annual Red Cross Calling appeal also helped raise funds—but the branch’s greatest fundraiser was its Opportunity Shop.Beginning in 1960, the Opportunity Shop raised thousands of dollars and provided affordable clothing and household items to local people. It also offered practical assistance to families experiencing hardship.After operating from several different premises, the shop moved into a bright and roomy building in Main Street, Bunyip, ( pictured is one of the shops) where it could open each day.Early shopkeepers included Mrs Dawes and Mrs Roberts. Mrs Merle Roy and Mrs Goodrem were among the former convenors, while Mrs Bessie Porter later took on the role.The larger shop also provided room for a Red Cross Craft and Friendship Group. Inspired by Mrs Porter and led by Mrs Dorothy Collingbourne and Mrs Edith Deakins, the group met every Tuesday.Members learnt crafts, made new friends and became more involved with the Red Cross. Several also volunteered in the Opportunity Shop.The volunteers were supported by a hardworking group of men—Allan Moody, Alan Masters, Frank Goodrem and Rob Porter—who helped with shelving, racks, tiling and many other practical jobs around the shop.The branch was proud to include Mrs Roberts and Mrs Dawes, who had served during the years of the two World Wars. Along with Mrs L. Anderson, they received bars to their Long Service Awards.Long Service Medals were also proudly worn by Mrs Malley, Mrs Goodrem, Mrs Roy, Mrs McDermid and Mrs Porter.The work of the Bunyip Red Cross extended well beyond fundraising.Before a bus service was available to Marwarra, members drove children to school. They also transported people to hospitals and therapy appointments.Members assisted victims of house fires and other emergencies, offering practical help and comfort during times of personal tragedy.Hospital visiting was another important service. Mrs Hart and Mrs Goodrem regularly visited patients at Shelley Memorial Hospital on Tuesdays and Fridays. Many branch members were also blood donors through Warragul Hospital or the Pakenham mobile blood bank.The branch provided two Regional Presidents, Mrs Arnott and Mrs Roy; a Regional Secretary, Mrs Pearl Dickinson, later Mrs McFarlane; and a Regional Deputy Chair, Mrs Porter.The money raised locally also helped people far beyond Bunyip. The branch provided financial and practical assistance following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires and Cyclone Tracy in Darwin.In 1985, the membership list included people who provided First Aid, helped in the shop, attended the Craft and Friendship Group, visited hospitals, baked for fundraisers and drove during emergencies.Some members performed so many different duties that Mrs McDermid wrote they could have had every category marked beside their names.For generations, the Bunyip & District Red Cross was there during war and peace, at community celebrations and disasters, and during times of illness and personal hardship.Its members showed what can be achieved when ordinary people generously give their time to care for others.“People helping people.”
Our thanks to Mrs Joyce McDermid 1920 -2009 for compiling this history and to every member and volunteer who helped the Red Cross help others.
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