Our Ruby, 83, is a real diamond

An 83-year-old Coleraine woman was recently presented with a rose bowl and long service certificate from Barnardo’s NI in recognition of twenty years volunteering with the charity’s shop in Stone Row.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2013, 08:00 BST
WELL DESERVED. Ruby Wray (centre), who has been a Volunteer at Barnardo's for twenty years, pictured receiving a Rose Bowl to mark her years of service from Sarah McCotter, Manageress and Communications Manager Anne Dawson (left).CR26-334SC.WELL DESERVED. Ruby Wray (centre), who has been a Volunteer at Barnardo's for twenty years, pictured receiving a Rose Bowl to mark her years of service from Sarah McCotter, Manageress and Communications Manager Anne Dawson (left).CR26-334SC.
WELL DESERVED. Ruby Wray (centre), who has been a Volunteer at Barnardo's for twenty years, pictured receiving a Rose Bowl to mark her years of service from Sarah McCotter, Manageress and Communications Manager Anne Dawson (left).CR26-334SC.

Ruby Wray began volunteering with the shop shortly after she moved to Coleraine in 1990.

It was Ruby’s daughter who suggested she volunteer at the Barnardo’s shop and she is now the longest serving member of the team

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Ruby says: “Anything I have given to Barnardo’s they have given back to me threefold. The team are like another family to me. It’s lovely as a retired person to have a reason to get up and put your lippy on. I feel really committed to the work of Barnardo’s as a children’s charity and it is just so rewarding volunteering in the shop. I would recommend anyone thinking about doing it to give it a go.”

Last year Ruby was recognised as a Diamond Champion for her volunteering as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. She received a commemorative brooch by Dame Mary Peters at a reception in the Titanic Building.

Shop manager, Sarah McCotter said: “Ruby is a really valuable member of the team, she has been here longer than anyone and knows how the shop operates inside out and the customers are really fond of her. As well as volunteering Ruby also knits tea cosies, hats and hot water bottle covers which we sell in the shop. Volunteers like Ruby are so important to us and I am delighted that she has been awarded the rose bowl in recognition of her long service.”

Related topics:BarnardoColeraineVolunteers