Ballina Quiet Achiever 2020

Sometimes a Quiet Achiever can be in our midst and can pop up unexpectedly. That is why they are Quiet Achievers, especially if friends have no idea of the extent of the work they have done in the community.

One such person is Ruth G, and I would like her to come forward.

Ruth has been a member of Scope Club of Ballina Inc since 2004 and has held the position of Publicity Officer for many years making sure our functions are well broadcast. She is currently Vice President and has been Club Scrap Book person, taking lots of photos at our different activities.

Ruth is always a to-do person and can be called upon at short notice to help out, like last weeks Bunnings Barbecue.

Ruth has fostered 60 to 70 children from the age of 8 month old babies to 17 year olds. The 8 month old babies were twins, which is more remarkable.

Christie, she fostered for 4 years, starting her at school. Christie does keep in touch and I believe lives in New Zealand.    

Ruth showed these babies and small children a routine, stability, clothed and nurtured them as if they were her own giving them a safe home life.  She would also join them up in Swimming Club and Nippers.

Ruth was involved with Ballina Swimming Club and organised swimming carnivals for Ballina and Far North Coast Swimming.

She has been a member of Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club since 1978, helping with the Nippers, doing barbecues and for a time was Secretary of Nippers. I believe still helping with the barbecues.

Within these organisations, she joined up some of her foster children, her own children and is now following her grandchildren.

Ruth has worked tirelessly on the P & C Committee for Lennox Head Public School putting in many hours over the years doing voluntary canteen duties. She was made a Life Member of the old Ballina High School for her commitment to work in their canteen.

As you can see Ruth has achieved much and her expertise is for the benefit and betterment of children whose lives are not as they should be through no fault of their own.

We have been waiting 12 months for this presentation and I would now like to present to Ruth this award as our QUIET ACHIEVER for 2020.