The Parkes Branch of Can Assist recently held an afternoon tea to say thank you to much valued member Ellie Hetherington OAM as she retires from eight years of raising money for the charity.
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Ellie raised raised more than $196,000 for Can Assist through her business Ellie's Plants for Charity before she retired at the end of last year.
The 70-year-old was recognised for her service to the community through charitable organisations and was named on this year’s Australia Day’s Honours List to receive an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia).
Can Assist President Sylvia Glendenning thanked Ellie for all her hard work, presented her with a special gift and life membership to Can Assist.
A teary Ellie said she didn’t do it for a reward and the afternoon tea was for everyone.
“It’s not for me, it’s for everyone,” she said.
“I am very proud and humbled that you have organised this afternoon tea. You all worked so hard and the OAM should have been awarded to the branch.
“When Adrienne started the garage sale on a monthly basis I’m sure she didn’t realise what a can of worms she opened.
“My husband was a silent partner and never complained when he was asked to help with soil or the collection of plants or when meals were not ready because I was too busy watering plants.
“When I closed Ellie's Plants for Charity it was a very sad day and an end to a very big part of my life.
“It was hard work but knowing we have eased the financial burden on cancer sufferers made it all worth the effort.”
Ellie donated her remaining plants and the majority of stands to Donna Monkerud.
