TRIBUTE IS BEING PAID to the Moray woman named as the Retail Volunteer of the Year by nationwide charity Barnardo’s.
Euna Russell’s efforts were highlighted at the UK Parliament last week in recognition of her work at the Elgin Branch of the charity, which Moray’s MP Douglas Ross visited earlier this week.
“I was absolutely delighted to be able to praise Euna and her efforts at the Elgin branch of Barnardos in the House of Commons,” Mr Ross said after visiting Euna at the charity shop.
He added: “Euna is the 2017 Retail Volunteer of the Year which is a fantastic achievement when you consider there are 15,000 volunteers across more than 700 stores.
“She is a very hard working and caring volunteer who is deeply respected and liked by those she works with and is a very deserving winner of this national award.
“I believe that staff arranged it so that Euna was able to watch the House of Commons link live and also contacted her son who sent the link to his sister in Australia who was also able to watch live at the same time.
“I met Euna when I volunteered at the shop last year and I know she has been involved for the past 27 years, giving up about five days a week, which amounts to 20-30 hours per week and rarely misses a day, which is an amazing and inspirational achievement.”
Former store manager, Debbie Barnham who is the UK Retail Recruitment Manager, nominated Euna describing her as dedicated, caring and hard working.
She said everyone at Barnardo’s was thrilled: “Euna is a “trusted colleague” and a vital and integral part of the team who welcome and supports everyone.”
Douglas concluded: “Euna will collect her award in London at the end of November and I hope she has a fantastic time. I was pleased to be able to present her with a copy of Hansard which now becomes an official record of Euna’s achievement being highlighted in the House of Commons.”