Celebrating four long‑serving volunteers

Val, Sallie, Ruth and Jill with celebratory cake

Reading Family Aid has marked the retirement of four exceptional volunteers whose dedication has shaped our charity for decades. Between them they have contributed about 100 years of support and members of the committee expressed their appreciation at a celebration after the AGM.
 
Jill Barker
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jill joined us in 2007. Laura shared: “She helped at so many fundraising events and most recently sorted the books donated for the Toys and Teens Appeal.” A former primary school teacher, one of her former pupils has now joined Reading Family Aid.
 
Ruth Perkins
Ruth began as a driver for the toys appeal 25 years ago and soon became central to the charity’s organisation. Wendy said: “With her management background she’s been a godsend.” Paul added: “Ruth has been like a rock.” Anna echoed the sentiment: “She’s so organised and runs a tight ship. It’s going to be a lot to try and replace all that.”
 
Val Sansom
Since at leats 2003, Val has been involved in almost everything we do — fundraising, outings, and many years of committed work on the Toys and Teens Appeal. Her reliability and warmth have been a steady presence.
 
Sallie Wall
Known affectionately as the fount of all knowledge, Sallie has supported every corner of our work for 23 years. Ruth summed it up perfectly: “She will turn her hand to anything… I remember when she started she took on being secretary and she has been an absolute mainstay on the toy project ever since.”
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We offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes to Sallie, Val, Jill and Ruth. Their commitment has strengthened Reading Family Aid for generations, and they leave an extraordinary legacy.