Bethania | Resident Stories

Bethania’s long-serving volunteer is a real pearl to our society

Fay O’Toole’s volunteer efforts span three generous decades and prove she’s the pearl to St Vincent de Paul Society’s oyster.

Starting back in 1988 Fay, along with her friend Jo Blocksidge, walked into the Beenleigh St Vincent de Paul Society shop and never looked back.

Throughout her three decades of volunteer work, Fay said the one thing that hasn’t changed is the support needed by the underprivileged regarding food, financial assistance and furniture.

“We are not government funded and rely mainly on the generosity of our parishioners and donations from the local community.

“I still meet people in the street who were grateful for our support when they needed it,” Fay said.

Aged 84 years young, Fay, won the 2016 Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award, acknowledging those who have a big heart for helping others and the City of Logan, selfless deeds and changing many lives.

Ingenia Lifestyle Bethania Community Manager, Linda Thompson, talks of how proud she is to have Fay as a resident within the lifestyle over 50s community.

“Those who give so much of their time to charity work deserve to be acknowledged and Fay is an exceptional lady, who enjoys keeping busy by helping others.

“Volunteering is in the hearts of our residents, with a strong craft group who supply knitted goods to charities close to their hearts,” Linda proudly says.