Our Big Kitchen volunteer wins NRMA award
Serena Vesely has been named the winner of the Senior Volunteer category of the 2012 NRMA Helping People Awards for her extensive community work at Sydney’s Our Big Kitchen.
Serena Vesely
OBK’s director, Rabbi Dovid Slavin said that Mrs Vesely was nominated by the kitchen not only for her help in the kitchen but also her selfless willingness to discuss her time in Nazi Germany.
“The horror of the war will never leave Mrs Vesely – however she comes to the Kitchen many times every week with a smile on her face and a willingness to help others. I often see people come to the kitchen with their own real problems – only to be met by Mrs Vesely whose story and approach often helps to put their concerns into perspective” Rabbi Slavin said.
“Mrs Vesely gives to many people in the community including the Montefiore Home and other elderly people in their own homes. Apart from being wonderful in the kitchen, she helps many people with altering their clothes, making them a cake or a meal. She is truly a community treasure” Rabbi Slavin said.
Having been a member of the NRMA for over 40 years when she drove, Mrs Vesely was thrilled to receive the award from NRMA.
“I go to the kitchen a few times a week when I am not at bowls. I love to help others and am always made to feel so welcome at the Kitchen – it’s like a big family” Mrs Vesely said.
“Every time I go to the kitchen there is so much happening – it is filled with children, oldies like me and lots of volunteers – all working together to help others – what a wonderful place” Mrs Vesely said.
Mrs Vesely will feature in the NRMA Open Road Magazine early next year.
wow this is my 87 yr old grandma that i see almost every 2 days i love her so much she is such and inspiration she means the world to me !!!