Monthly Archives: June 2013

Volunteer receives prestigious Queen’s Guide Award

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A Radio Lollipop Southampton volunteer has received one of the country’s most prestigious awards for guiding.

Hannah Watts, 21, from Old Netley, Southampton, was presented with the distinguished Queen’s Guide Award for her commitment and dedication to volunteering and work in the community.

The honour, which is referred to as the ultimate accolade in guiding, is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional service to guiding, development of personal skills and outstanding contribution to the community.

At just 18, Hannah, who is a final year student at Southampton Solent University and part-time stock management partner at John Lewis in Southampton, travelled to Lautoka, one of the poorest areas in Fiji, for a month to establish a girl guiding network and deliver leader training for adults.

On her return, she continued her work as an International Young Ambassador for Sport in Great Britain ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games and became assistant leader at 2nd Hamble Brownies, where she led the organisation of pack holidays for the 25-strong group.

In addition, Hannah joined Radio Lollipop, a volunteer-run radio station for children at Southampton General Hospital, where she spent one day a week visiting young patients and their families.

“Completing the Queen’s Guide Award has given me memories that will last a lifetime and the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful, committed and talented people and I really owe much of my personal development to them,” said Hannah, who last year received the Volunteer England Gold Award.

Michelle Main-Miller, Hannah’s district commissioner and a guider for Girl Guiding UK, said: “Hannah fully deserves this award as she gives so much back to the community and, in doing so, is helping to influence the next generation.

“Her passion is infectious and her dedication admirable. I feel proud to know her and for her to be part of my team.”

Hannah was presented with the award by Anne Falconer, county commissioner of Girlguiding Hampshire West, at the Abbey Hall in Netley Abbey, where her belly dancing group – which helped raise more than £1,000 towards her trip to Fiji – performed two dances for the event’s 60 guests.

Starbucks Chevron Renaissance supports Radio Lollipop Gold Coast

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In recent months Chevron Renaissance’s Starbucks has become the newest supporter of Radio Lollipop Gold Coast.

With the help of Radio Lollipop Fundraising Co-ordinator, Adam Rodwell, Starbucks has successfully raised over $1,000 over just two months through loose change and generous fundraising donations.

The Chevron store also invited Radio Lollipop volunteers to participate in their cheer party, where our volunteers were given the opportunity to sell merchandise and spread awareness and cheer to patrons and employees.

In addition to these amazing efforts, the store has more recently donated food rations to be sold at Radio Lollipop sausage sizzles and merchandise stalls to assist in fundraising. Starbucks manager Verniece Bristow says she hopes to extend their enthusiasm to the Starbucks store on Cavill Avenue and Broadbeach.

“This is such a great cause,” shares Verniece. “I love that as a store we can support this organisation, as part of a community.” “We definitely have plans to continue this support, and have so many other ideas to help raise money”.

The Gold Coast team shares their biggest thanks to Starbucks for their dedication and enthusiasm, and extends their warmest welcome for what is hopeful to be an exciting new relationship.

Miss Lollipop supports Mater Miracles Fun Run

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On Sunday 2 June, Miss Lollipop and volunteers from Radio Lollipop’s Mater Children’s Hospital braved the cool morning to support the 5k’s for Kids Fun Run which turned out to be the Mater Foundation’s biggest single fundraising event ever!

Miss Lollipop met lots of new friends along the way including Dora the Explorer and Diego, the Star Wars Storm Troopers and Superman. But her favourite new friend was one of the smallest, the local surf dog.. the two hit it off straight away as can be seen in this photo!

Volunteers Jet, Andrew, Mel and Orchid were also there to add even more smiles to this event with their special chocolate chip and strawberry flavoured bubbles! Thanks to a nice autumn breeze, the bubbles got carried away high up in the sky as far as the eye could see!

Radio Lollipop Australia Director Receives Medal of the Order of Australia for Services to Radio Lollipop

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Radio Lollipop Australia Director Sandra Ursino recently received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her work with Radio Lollipop particularly in Queensland, Australia. Sandra received the Award at an investiture ceremony hosted by the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC.

Sandra was overwhelmed to hear of her award and accepted the Award with honour on behalf of every Radio Lollipop Volunteer and Supporter. Sandra said ‘I couldn’t do what I do, without the dedication and commitment of every Radio Lollipop Volunteer. Our volunteers provide an amazing connection with sick children in hospital every night that we operate’.

Sandra would also like to thank her fellow Australian Directors, Mr Hedley Finn MBE, Mr Bruce Uhlhorn, Mr Rob Johnson, Ms Jeanette Shorto, Mr Bruce Sullivan and Ms Agnes Vacca for their support and commitment to Radio Lollipop.