Age is no barrier for Victorian fundraiser commended at national awards

3 Mar 2009

A 96 year old Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital volunteer has received a commended award in the Cadbury Fundraiser Volunteer of the Year at the Fundraising Institute of Australia National Awards for Excellence in Fundraising.

Natalina Pagnanoni from Frankston is part of the generation of women fundraisers who have lovingly baked cakes, knitted booties and sold tea towels to raise much need money for hospitals all over Victoria.

Over 30 years Mrs Paganoni has raised over $17,000 through raffles, cake baking and a moveable gift shop through a fundraising group for the Eye and Ear Hospital, the Frankston Friends.

In presenting the award, the judges said Mrs Paganoni is a truly individual, traditional, ‘old fashioned’ and authentic, advocate, philanthropist and volunteer.

Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Marketing and Community Relations Manager Lyn Moorfoot said the award is truly a great honour for Mrs Paganoni and the hospital.

“To have Mrs Paganoni’s hard work and commitment recognised at a national level shows what a valuable member of our volunteer community she is.”

“Our volunteer program ensures the services of our dedicated volunteers are utilised to their best ability to make sure Aussies have healthy eyes and healthy hearing.”

Mrs Paganoni has five children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and joined the Frankston Friends to give back to the community that had taken her in when she emigrated from Italy.

Mrs Paganoni was named as the Cadbury Fundraiser Volunteer of the Year for Victoria at an awards ceremony in December last year.

The Cadbury Fundraiser Volunteer of the Year award is presented to an individual who has shown extraordinary volunteer service to a particular organisation.

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