SUNDAY was a special day for Yvonne Richardson as she was recognised for the outstanding achievement of 50 years of volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society in Swan Hill.
A special lunch was held in Ms Richardson’s honour as the milestone was celebrated with family, friends and other volunteers.
Ms Richardson has started to slow down only in the past few months as health and mobility issues have affected her ability to live actively.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victorian state president Michael Quinn was on hand to help celebrate the achievement.
Mr Quinn said the society had existed since 1833, when it was founded by seven students in France.
“Today the St Vincent de Paul Society is found in more than 150 countries,” Mr Quinn said.
“Yvonne has had an incredible journey – the society is built on the shoulders of people like Yvonne.
“We have a responsibility moving forward to make sure that in the next 50 years, 60 years, we are still going strong, because we owe it to people like Yvonne.”
Swan Hill St Vincent de Paul Society president Brian Richardson said many years ago the shop and the welfare were in the same location.
“Yvonne would serve in the shop, preparing items for sale and assisting with the welfare,” Mr Richardson said.
“Over the years she has been a very influential member of the conference.
“She and her sister put together all the Christmas hampers.
“They gather the lists of the families and prepare a very nice Christmas hamper to make sure that Christmas Day is a day of joy and not despair.
“She was also a part of the eucharist team here at the church, visiting those who were sick and unable to come to church.
“She has always been there.
“If somebody couldn’t make it, she would jump in and help out.”
