St Vincent de Paul volunteer marks 60 years of service

Gayus Donoghue, a veteran and volunteer, has been praised for 60 years of outstanding service delivering food hampers to those in need.

Gayus Donoghue saw many things serving in the Second World War.

But few were sadder than seeing young children crying from hunger when he later volunteered with St Vincent de Paul to deliver food hampers to those in need.

“The most heartbreaking moments came when I visited families affected by domestic violence,” he said. “I’d see young children sobbing in their beds from the trauma they had experienced.

Gayus Donoghue spent 35 years volunteering packing Christmas hampers for St Vincent de Paul. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I also invited disadvantaged families to my home for Christmas lunch when they had nowhere else to go.”

Mr Donoghue, now 101, was awarded the Dempsey Medal by the Archbishop of Sydney recognising his 60 years as a St Vincent de Paul volunteer and is now nominated for News Corp Australia’s Thanks A Million campaign.

“It’s such a wonderful organisation and I felt privileged to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s a real honour to be recognised.”

Lucy Smith, parishioner at St Francis Xavier Church in Arncliffe, said Mr Donoghue’s compassion for others was inspiring.

“He has set a wonderful example of family life and is a kind, warm and selfless person,” she said.

Mr Donoghue lives at St Vincent’s Care Services in Edgecliff and is cared for by his granddaughter Cathy.

“The decision for Pop to enter permanent care was a difficult one,” she said. “His tenacious spirit kept him at home (alone) well into his 100th year.

“He’s been a huge influence in all our lives and is deeply loved by us all.”

If you would like to nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply.