LONG-SERVING volunteer Gavin Sparrow’s selfless dedication to Red Cross Limestone Coast has been recognised with a prestigious medal.
Mr Sparrow is now one of only two recipients of the prestigious Red Cross outstanding service award medal in the South East along with Roger Whitty.
In his 14th year of service, Mr Sparrow serves the not-for-profit organisation as a booking officer.
Mr Sparrow said he enjoyed the role of organising transport for clientele across the district.
“Over the years I guess I have done a lot of things outside what my job encompasses,” he said.
“I think volunteering is a very rewarding experience and you get more out of it compared to a paid job.
“I am able to give back to the community.”
Mr Sparrow said he had once spent four hours trying to liaise with hospitals for a client in Southend.
In the Mount Gambier region, Mr Sparrow said he coordinated five vehicles, along with Naracoorte, Bordertown, Kingston, Keith, Robe and Millicent.
“I have had a lady ring me up from Bordertown in tears as she had just been diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
“She had to be transported to Adelaide and she had not been there, her husband had left her and her daughter did not talk to her.
“I told her to hang up and we would get it sorted for her and I think those phone calls are the reason why I do it.”
Mr Sparrow said there were many occasions where he could simply say no, but he perseveres.
“I originally knew another person who was a booking officer and he helped transport my mother before she passed,” he said.
“I thought it was something I could do once I retire because I had been on the road my whole life.
“I try and cover as much time as I can and will for as long as I can.”
Red Cross Limestone Coast’s transport service travelled over 300,000km last year across the district through volunteer service.
Red Cross Limestone Coast regional manager David Walshaw said Mr Sparrow’s commitment to the values of Red Cross Transport and helping the socially isolated and vulnerable in our community was to be commended.
“Gavin always goes the extra mile to make sure we can assist the clients with their transport needs,” Mr Walshaw said.
“He is a quiet achiever and deserves recognition for a volunteering job well done over many years.”
