DURING Yvonne Richardson’s 66 years in Swan Hill, she’s notched up countless hours volunteering at a myriad of local charities.
Born in Melbourne, she moved to Euston with her family when she was just two years old. At 14 she came to Swan Hill, along with her mother and sister.
Ms Richardson took to paid work at an early age to help her support family.
After being at school for only six months, she found an office job at a hardware store called Frazer and Horns.
It was during her 10 years there that she met her husband, Frank.
The two were soon married and had three boys, Brian, Paul and Gary.
It was here her love for community work began.
“When the boys were at preschool, I joined the parents’ club there, you want to be a part of your children’s life as much as possible and have an interest in what they are doing,” she said.
Her association with the parents’ club continued until the very end of her children’s schooling years, performing the role of secretary and treasure numerous times.
Despite these busy roles, Ms Richardson felt she could still do more for the community.
“There was an advertisement in a paper, probably the Guardian, looking for people to work in the new St Vinnies store, so I thought I should get involved.”
For more on this story see Wednesday’s edition of The Guardian (July 24, 2013).
