Friends, special guests and church family gathered at Paynesville Uniting Church (PUC) earlier this month to celebrate 20 years of operation for the PUC Friendship Shed.
A Service of Thanksgiving was held at Paynesville Uniting Church Faith Community on February 11 to commemorate 20 years since the Friendship Shed opened in January 2004. Reverend Rosalie Rayment-Hewitt officiated at the service, followed by a speech given by the Friendship Shed convenor, Marilyn Cassidy.
The prime aim of the Friendship Shed was initially to be part of the community by operating an Opportunity Shop selling second hand goods, donated by the community, at a reasonable cost then giving back to the community money raised in the way of donations.
In June last year, this community outreach expanded to include the operation of the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre Foodbank.
Twenty-two years ago the idea of a Friendship Shed was raised at a church council meeting and after a lot of hard work and investigating various options a new shed was erected on the Uniting Church land.
The Friendship Shed was officially opened on January 24, 2004. Reverend Trevor Bassett was Master of Ceremonies at the opening ceremony, and Reverend Ann Key cut the ribbon. Jenny Preston organised the La Viva Voce choir to entertain the crowd when the guests all retired to the hall for afternoon tea. Jenny was one of the original committee members and made the trip from Traralgon for the 20th anniversary. She enjoyed catching up with many of the past volunteers.
The anniversary service was followed by a delicious catered lunch, after which past volunteers and members were invited to a walkthrough of the Friendship Shed to bring them up to date with the growth and layout of the facility.
Paynesville Uniting Church Friendship Shed has donated many thousands of dollars to the local and wider community and overseas charities over the past 20 years, including Bairnsdale Hospital, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Angel Flight, CFA, Coast Guard and many, many more. Marilyn stated that the church members and volunteers are to be congratulated for their caring, diligence, and their preparedness to serve the community.
In closing, Marilyn pointed out the Friendship Shed also assists in the support of the Paynesville Foodbank held within the Church Hall, which draws many people each week in need of food and services.
Donations for the Friendship Shed and/or Furniture Shed are welcomed on their trading days which are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 43-45 Langford Parade, Paynesville.
