Most not-for-profit organisations throughout our community rely on volunteers to help deliver their programs and achieve their goals.
Each and every one of these selfless people should be applauded and sometimes there are individuals who deserve an extra special mention.
One of those people is Mike Cunningham. Mike helped establish FIRST Service 35 years ago, has been a volunteer ever since and is still going strong.
Recently his long dedication was recognised with a very special honour.
FIRST Service provides a friendly, inclusive, and fun environment for people with disabilities to learn and feel supported, engaged, and empowered. They offer a variety of programs including music, visual arts, multimedia, fitness and living skills.
The members also learn skills such as sewing and textiles; soap and candle making; furniture restoration; and woodwork. Many of their creations are then sold in the organisation’s retail outlets and online on their website (www.firstserviceinc.net).
FIRST Service believes that everyone has the right to participate and contribute to society and aims to improve members’ quality of life while focussing on their abilities, promoting community awareness and acceptance, as well as empowering people with disabilities and their families.
So, I was delighted to be invited to unveil a special plaque commemorating the official naming of the two units that FIRST Service have purchased in the Cairns Street commercial centre in Loganholme.
The pre-vocational facility comprises offices, a retail space, three working areas for various projects and a large training facility.
In recognition of Michael Cunningham’s devotion and hard work over the years the building will now be known as ‘Mike’s Place’. (By the way, the sign was carved by the FIRST Service members!)
