Marcia Cheers This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. kempsey.yourguide.com.au

   kempsey.yourguide.com.au/detai - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/29/2007   Last Visited: 5/29/2007

   Marcia Cheers with her Distinguished Service Medal from Red Cross
   ...
   Marcia Cheers with her Distinguished Service Medal from Red Cross
   ...
   Marcia Cheers was completely overwhelmed when a letter arrived from the Red Cross national office in Melbourne seven weeks ago.
   
   The letter told her to be in Sydney on May 8, International Red Cross Day, to receive a Distinguished Service Award.
   
   "Total disbelief" is how Marcia, president of Kempsey Red Cross, described her emotions upon receiving the letter.
   
   "The worst part was that I was not allowed to tell anyone, it's kept secret before the presentation" she said.
   
   So did she manage to keep the secret?
   
   "No. I had to organise the shop because I was going to be away in Sydney," Marcia said.
   
   Although she suspects some of the staff she had to tell at the Red Cross shop in Belgrave St may have had something to do with her nomination for the Distinguished Service Award.
   
   "The afternoon was
   
   wonderful," Marcia said about the award presentation at Red Cross House in the Sydney CBD.
   ...
   Marcia was only one of six
   
   people to receive the Distinguished Service Award.
   
   Marcia became involved with the Kempsey Red Cross in March 1998 after returning to Kempsey from Sydney the previous year.
   
   Born in Kempsey, she grew up in Macksville, moving back to her birthplace at the age of 12.
   
   Then, years later, after working in the local community, she headed to Sydney for a change of scenery.
   
   There Marcia worked as secretary in the dental department at Hornsby Hospital for nearly three decades. When retirement brought her time there to an end, she felt it was time to return home.
   
   "I retired from Sydney in 1997 and I had been involved in a few voluntary organisations," she said.
   
   "Back in Kempsey I was asked if I'd like to come and help with the Red Cross, and I've been here ever since."
   
   Marcia has been president of the Kempsey Red Cross since 2000, and has also served as treasurer and secretary.
   
   "I've enjoyed every minute of it. I work with a good team," Marcia said.
   
   Along with the friendships made through the Red Cross, Marcia said helping the
   
   community is what she enjoys.
   
   "There have been challenges. Helping with disasters," she said.
   ...
   Marcia has spent many hours, and her office and banking skills, helping the local community.
   
   Now she has a medal to remind her of all that good work.