A life worth living and a gift worth giving
The next time you enjoy a cake or fresh roll in the Rainbow Café at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, take a moment to think of volunteers like Shirley Heading who for almost 30 years has been giving her time to support the children, mums and families of South Australia.
After relocating from Adelaide to Tumby Bay to run the local caravan park, Shirley first became involved in the local auxiliary raising funds for what was then the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.
Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation supporter, Shirling Heading.
“I got involved in 1990 when I became Treasurer and Secretary of the Tumby Bay Auxiliary. I really enjoyed the functions and meetings and I liked raising money to help the children.” Shirley says.
In 1999 Shirley returned to Adelaide and became Region 1 Chairman, coordinating the 12 auxiliaries within metropolitan Adelaide. Through the years that followed, she continued dedicating her time through numerous auxiliary roles until retiring in 2014.
“The highlight for me was serving as State President from 2000-2002. At this time there were 72 auxiliaries in South Australia raising around $400,000 each year. There was healthy competition between the different groups but we all knew that every cent would help.”
It was after injuring her foot in 2004 that Shirley was first invited to volunteer in the Rainbow Café and now, 15 years later, she is still coming in every week to help feed the families, friends and staff at the Hospital.
“I don’t stop!” Shirley laughs. “I arrive at 5.30am twice a week, and on a typical day I can butter three dozen rolls, 16 focaccias and 16 finger buns, as well as making 10 salad boxes and pricing up all the cakes.”.
Having dedicated her life to making a difference to the children and families in the Hospital, for Shirley it was an easy decision to leave a gift in her will to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“I have more or less devoted my life to the Hospital and I’ve loved it. I decided to leave a bequest to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation because I’m community-minded and I’d like to be remembered for that,” says Shirley. “My nephew is my power of attorney, and I have made sure he knows about my wishes.”.
As well as her regular volunteering, Shirley enjoys keeping up to date with the latest news by attending special events organised by the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation for members of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society.
“I enjoy being a member of the Golden Hearts because it’s good to hear news from the Foundation. The guest speakers at events are interesting and I like being part of a smaller group of like-minded people,” Shirley says.
“I would recommend leaving a bequest to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation to anyone because the Foundation does a lot for the Hospital and you can be sure that the money will go to help the children. It doesn’t matter how much you can give – big or small it all helps!”.
Would you like to find out more about the Golden Hearts Bequest Society or how to leave a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation?
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