Long time volunteer Jann Brearley remembered after her passing in August
A “shining example” of what it means to be a volunteer is being remember for her years of selfless devotion to improve the lives of others.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A “shining example” of what it means to be a volunteer is being remember for her years of selfless devotion to improve the lives of others.
The fundraising efforts of Kalkee Op Shop, Belmont manager Jann Brearley, 73, who passed away on August 31, once furnished two entire wings at a Belmont retirement village.
Funds slowly accumulated through the op shop that she oversaw were also used to buy a minibus to take Belmont aged care residents on day trips, animal farm visits and other excursions.
The money raised also provided airconditioning for elderly residents of independent living units at Uniting AgeWell aged care in Belmont.
For two decades Ms Brearley was a role model to about 20 volunteers at the Kalkee Op Shop across two Belmont locations.
She regarded the group as her extended family, passing on knowledge the she’d pick up from working in the sector.
In an interview with the Geelong Advertiser in 2015, Jann recalled becoming the sole carer of her grandson in 1990s.
“It was hard because I was single and I had a social life, but we weathered it. It kept me young at heart but it did stop me in my tracks.”
She told the Addy she viewed volunteering at the op shop as a means of paying back the country for the financial support the government had offered her as a single mother.
Manager at Uniting AgeWell Nangatta Community aged care home in Belmont, Glenda Harvey, said Ms Brearley would never say no to a request for help.
“If we needed something, she would find it for us. This varied between dolls for therapy or two wings at Nangatta being set up with beautiful new furniture funded by the op shop,” Ms Harvey said.
“I remember Jann searching a whole shed for a much-loved item thrown out in error, and yes she found it, bless her tenacity and huge heart.”
Uniting AgeWell manager Louise Harvey paid tribute to Ms Brearley dedication.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Uniting AgeWell, and Jann was a shining example of our many unsung champions who dedicate their lives to helping others,” Ms Harvey said.
“We are grateful to her for her years of loyalty and hard work.”
MORE NEWS:
OTHER JOBS UNDER THREAT IF OIL REFINERY SHUTS
BURNING PILES OF RUBBISH SPARKS HOUSE FIRE
NORLANE BONE DISCOVERY REMAINS A MYSTERY
Originally published as Long time volunteer Jann Brearley remembered after her passing in August