General News
6 August, 2024
Joe’s distinguished RCH efforts are recognised
JOE Watts has been presented with one of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal’s highest honours. The Inglewood Fire Brigade volunteer who first started rattling tins more than 50 years ago was last week presented with the...
JOE Watts has been presented with one of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal’s highest honours.
The Inglewood Fire Brigade volunteer who first started rattling tins more than 50 years ago was last week presented with the distinguished service award.
Joe, who this Easter shared co-ordination duties after being the Inglewood organiser for more than a decade, said he was surprised to receive the award at an appeal thank you function in Kyneton.
“I was sitting there with fellow brigade members Elissa Wilson, David Patterson and Kim Doherty,” said Joe.
“Earlier when sister Helen (Ward) and her son Christopher arrived, I didn’t think anything of it ... they said they just were there to look after me.
“And then, my name was called out to receive the award. It was a real surprise.”
Elissa stepped up this year to become joint co-ordinator of appeal efforts in Inglewood.
The brigade has raised more than $188,000 for the hospital over the years with tin collections and wood raffles. This year’s Inglewood total was $6405
“I am still around to help Elissa and it won’t be long now before out total surpasses $200,000. That will be something special,” Joe said.
He said: “The Royal Children’s Hospital appeal is a good cause and everyone wants to support it.
“The appeal is a special time for everyone in the community to help raise funds for a very special hospital.”
Joe’s distinguished service award came the same day his aunt Dot Poxon celebrated her 99th birthday with fellow residents and families at Boort District Health.
“Last Thursday really turned out to be a very special day for members of the family everywhere,” Joe said.