Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries has recognised Sassafras resident Shirley Jenkins for her dedication and extraordinary service. 54558 Picture: Nigel Clements
By Casey Neill
SASSAFRAS woman Shirley Jenkins has devoted 50 years of her life to helping others, expecting nothing in return.
What she’s received is an award recognising her efforts, and support through her darkest days.
Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries this year awarded Mrs Jenkins the annual Madge Tate Service Award for dedication and extraordinary service.
She joined the Footscray Yarraville Junior Auxiliary when it began in 1960 to raise much-needed funds for the hospital.
“It was really just as an interest is why I started, but now I really love the whole concept,” she said.
“I’ve been with the auxiliary for 50 years and I’m practically part of the hospital.”
The 76-year-old was “absolutely ecstatic” her efforts were rewarded.
“It was just the thrill of being recognised – not that you have a recognition, but it was just an added bonus,” she said.
“I was just over the moon, I could hardly think.”
She doesn’t remember her speech.
“I haven’t got a clue really what I said but my husband said ‘out of 10 I’d rate it 11′ so that’s all right,” she laughed.
Mrs Jenkins had left her husband Len eating breakfast at home on the day of the auxiliaries meeting, but that’s not where he remained.
After hospital patron Louise Gourlay announced Mrs Jenkins’ win she directed her attention to the back of the room.
“It was my husband and son. They’d been invited and hadn’t told me a thing about it, and they’d known for weeks,” she said. “It was wonderful. It was very, very exciting. My husband couldn’t stop smiling, he was very proud.”
“It’s the happiest thing that’s happened since all our upset.”
Their daughter, Kaye, died from a brain tumour three years ago, leaving behind three young sons.
“When Kaye was ill, my own auxiliary girls were so kind and wonderful to me,” she said.
“If I didn’t have the auxiliary now I think I’d go mad. I’d be too lonely.”
Her husband Len has also recently undergone two heart valve operations.
“One was only about a month after we lost Kaye,” Mrs Jenkins said.
“Everything was happening and I thought ‘what’s gone wrong with my life’.”
The auxiliary was “something that’s kept me going”.
Although it began in Footscray, the auxiliary’s five remaining original members now live throughout Melbourne.
They and five new members meet for lunch in South Yarra once a month.
“We try to have one fund-raising event a month as well,” Mrs Jenkins said.
Their functions have included fashion parades, hat parades, dances, dinners, art shows and jumble sales.
Mrs Jenkins also volunteers at the hospital gift shop once a month.
“It’s just such a thrill to feel you’re doing something,” she said.
“A lot of the mothers and fathers that come in, they unload their problems to you.”
She’ll continue her auxiliary duties as long as she can keep driving.
“Keeping active keeps you young,” she said.
