‘Great listener’ earns volunteer award nomination for humble commitment
- kirranicolle
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
A long-term Salvation Army volunteer has been recognised with nominations for two awards in the upcoming Tasmanian Volunteering Awards.
Lynn Cartledge has been volunteering for the Derwent Valley Salvation Army for 21 years, during which she has served in the former Thrift Store, the New Norfolk Salvos Store and the Corps’ Doorways program. Her commitment has been honoured with nominations for the Volunteer Impact Award (Individual) and the Lifetime Commitment Award.
Site coordinator Luke Clarke described Lynn as a “great listener, and a very non-judgmental, humble lady”. He said he began working with Lynn six months ago and was struck by her kind nature and how she welcomed people into the space.
“I’ve seen people who are a bit turned off by the approach that they get and that can be really damaging for community members who are already feeling vulnerable,” he said.
Lynn said she was prompted to volunteer for The Salvation Army when, in 2004, she sought counselling for help dealing with a difficult family situation, which was affecting her sleep.
“After a couple of sessions, [the counsellor] advised me to do some voluntary work,” she said. “So, I went straight to the thrift shop in High Street, which was only a small store back then.
“I’ve just enjoyed it so much. I really look forward to going to the Salvo centre now.”
But even though Lynn has now served across Derwent Valley Salvation Army’s programs, it wasn’t easy in the beginning. She said that while you get the occasional grumpy person, she’s learned it’s just part of the job. She said she had come to look forward to seeing the customer who were always appreciative.
“I was very shy, didn’t have much confidence, couldn’t talk a lot to people,” she said. “It has helped me by knowing I’m helping other people. And most people are really, really nice.
“I’ve worked with some lovely, lovely people at The Salvation Army.”
Lynn wanted to encourage others who felt they needed something they could look forward to in their week.
“It’s hard times for a lot of people, very, very hard times,” she said. “People get very lonely, and volunteering is very rewarding.”
As well as Doorways and the church programs, Derwent Valley Corps also runs a Community Connect program, a Drop-in Space and Free Soup program from 10am to 1pm Mondays and Fridays.
