RETIREE Shirley Stanley was pleased to recently receive the first home handyman service provided by the Red Cross in Millicent.
The service was undertaken with the support of the Millicent Lions Club who donated $200 to kick-start the community initiative.
Retired volunteer handymen Leigh Paltridge, Greg Jaensch and Peter Halliday spent an hour at her home on some minor tasks.
Ms Stanley said she saw an article in The South Eastern Times about the Red Cross service and decided to make contact.
She was grateful to the three men for their help.
“I do not like climbing up high,” Ms Stanley said.
“I was pleased to see the Lions make a donation as my late husband Allen was a member of the Lions for over 40 years”.
The three volunteers reiterated they only undertake minor tasks and do not aim to take paid work from tradesmen.
Red Cross regional manager David Walshaw said the project aimed to keep elderly people living independently in their homes longer by taking care of routine minor maintenance issues which may appear periodically.
“In the case of Shirley, she was having some light bulbs changed, a new vacuum assembled, skylights cleaned and the filters on her air conditioner cleaned,” Mr Walshaw said.
“We had several other houses to attend in Millicent for similar jobs and we hope to maintain a fortnightly service in Millicent subject to ongoing bookings.
“They can be made by contacting the Red Cross in Mount Gambier on 8725 3622 and asking to speak to Michelle.
“Red Cross is also able to attend to any transport people may require for social outings or medical appointments and Michelle is able to help with these as well”.
