Shirley Shannon
- Location:
- Rockhampton
When Shirley Shannon moved to Rockhampton in 1979 with her husband and five daughters, she began volunteering with the Rockhampton branch of the Cancer Council.
Almost 30 years later, Shirley is still volunteering for the Cancer Council, and is one of the organisation’s most prolific fundraisers. She is also involved in providing support and education services.
These support services have been appreciated by many cancer patients and their families. She acts as a volunteer driver for patients from out of town, helps deliver the Look Good Feel Better program and assists with Cancer Connect, the phone service for cancer carers.
She helps get the cancer prevention message out by presenting SunSmart promotions to local schools and assisting with Cancer Council displays at shopping centres.
Shirley spent five years as chairperson of the Rockhampton branch and four years as vice chairperson.
When she is not volunteering her time to the Cancer Council, Shirley volunteers as the chairperson of the arts and crafts exhibitions at the Rockhampton Show. Shirley has been involved with the show society for 13 years, and when show time rolls around each year it is not unusual for her to work 10-hour days in the lead up to the show and during the show.
Shirley has also put in 29 years of voluntary service with Rockhampton’s Saint Luke’s Anglican Church, and 16 years with the Rockhampton Gentle Arts Society.
Shirley seems to have the golden touch when it comes to fundraising. Conservative estimates of the amount she helps raises for all her chosen organisations are in the order of $230 000 every year.
Helen Williams, Central Queensland regional fundraising coordinator for the Queensland Cancer Council, describes Shirley’s contribution as ‘priceless’.
“It’s hard to put a dollar amount on the work Shirley has done,” she said.
“So much of it has been in the support of cancer patients and the support of other volunteers.
“This is a priceless contribution as it means others feel supported, recognised, welcomed and encouraged to do all they can.
“Shirley is the type of volunteer who grows and enhances the volunteer group we have and the quality of the work they do.”