Three young Salvo volunteers recognised for extraordinary service

Three Salvation Army volunteers have been recognised for outstanding contribution to their communities at Parliament House in Victoria as part of International Youth Day. 

The Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC, President of the Legislative Council of Victoria, presented awards to Hannah Pho and Grant and Tracey Rimon – who together contribute more than 50 volunteer hours in their communities each week.  

21-year-old Hannah Pho received her award for her work amongst young people at Box Hill Salvation Army. Hannah also organised an ethical fashion market this year to raise money for the Box Hill emergency relief centre which assists people in the community with material aid and financial counselling. 

Grant and Tracey Rimon volunteer in the community of Frankston – one of the lowest socio economic areas in the state. Tracey is the volunteer welfare coordinator at The Salvation Army’s emergency relief centre and Grant works with marginalised or disadvantaged young people in the community. The young couple have even opened up their home to homeless young people. 

“Because of our roles we have the ability to work with families and young people. We think the more generations we can contact the better,” said Tracey.

“The best thing is seeing the change in individual lives and in the community – we both love what we do.” 

The Hon Bruce Atkinson presented the awards and said, “The government and members of Parliament really do value what you’re doing at the coalface with people – particularly with young people in need. The part you play in the community is vital.” 

“I would encourage everyone who volunteers to get in touch with their members of parliament. We want to know what you’re doing and what the issues people are facing out there are.”

If you’d like to find out more about how you can volunteer with The Salvation Army click here.