Home makeover leaves 89-year-old volunteer speechless: 'It's going to make my life easier'
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In a heartwarming story that demonstrates life’s surprises, a deserving volunteer was rewarded for her lifelong devotion to helping others.
89-year-old Noreen Elliott, a committed servant to her community through St Vincent de Paul for over 43 years, was gifted a surprise house renovation that left us profoundly inspired.
Noreen, who was recently bestowed as the first recipient of Sunrise’s Helping Hand program, was momentarily left without words when she saw the results of the renovations performed by dedicated volunteers on her property.
The project was organised by the morning show Sunrise, in association with various trade organisations aiming to give back to the well-deserving recipients.
Noreen’s sentiments, captured beautifully by Sunrise reporter Katie Brown, were certainly poignant as she inspected her revamped backyard, newly built back steps, and sturdy carport.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, she exclaimed, 'I’m not often speechless, but I think I might be today.'
The Helping Hand initiative represents the beautiful harmony of the shared spirit in leagues of professionals offering their services for noble causes.
The volunteers from Carpentry Australia, led by team leader Nathan, executed the renovations, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to honouring those who have served society.
‘Helping Hand is so important to us,’ Nathan said.
‘It brings all our members together and helps us to honour those people, like Noreen, who have contributed to society and done such a great job for St Vincent de Paul.’
Like a breath of fresh air, Noreen’s refurbished house is now more accessible, making everyday life significantly easier.
'It’s going to make life easier to just walk out the back door and be able to sit here and have a nice cup of tea and a good book to read,' Noreen said.
‘I’d like to say thank you very, very much to everybody who’s come here. Even for the littlest thing they’ve done—I just really appreciate it.’
‘I cannot thank people enough for what you have done for me, and I just thank God that you’re wonderful enough to come and do it.’
The subplot to this truly touching story began with Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington revealing Noreen as the show’s inaugural Helping Hand recipient.
In a surprise ambush, they announced the start of the renovations while sending a surprised Noreen on a short holiday.
‘We are giving you a helping hand on our very first Helping Hand Day,’ Shirvo told Noreen.
‘You have been so wonderful, we want to send you on a staycation as all these tradies renovate your yard,’ Natalie added.
The news was as heart-warming as it was unexpected, leaving Noreen stunned.
‘God bless you all. All I can say is thank you very, very much,’ Noreen said.
Michael Quinn, president of St Vincent de Paul, endorsed Noreen as a deserving recipient.
‘For a person who has donated 43 years of her life, caring and supporting others, and she’s been excellent in doing that,’ he said.
You can watch Sunrise’s coverage below:
Credit: Sunrise / Facebook
What do you think of Noreen’s inspiring story, members? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
89-year-old Noreen Elliott, a committed servant to her community through St Vincent de Paul for over 43 years, was gifted a surprise house renovation that left us profoundly inspired.
Noreen, who was recently bestowed as the first recipient of Sunrise’s Helping Hand program, was momentarily left without words when she saw the results of the renovations performed by dedicated volunteers on her property.
The project was organised by the morning show Sunrise, in association with various trade organisations aiming to give back to the well-deserving recipients.
Noreen Elliott is Sunrise’s first recipient of its Helping Hand Program. Credit: Sunrise / Facebook
Noreen’s sentiments, captured beautifully by Sunrise reporter Katie Brown, were certainly poignant as she inspected her revamped backyard, newly built back steps, and sturdy carport.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, she exclaimed, 'I’m not often speechless, but I think I might be today.'
The Helping Hand initiative represents the beautiful harmony of the shared spirit in leagues of professionals offering their services for noble causes.
The volunteers from Carpentry Australia, led by team leader Nathan, executed the renovations, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to honouring those who have served society.
‘Helping Hand is so important to us,’ Nathan said.
‘It brings all our members together and helps us to honour those people, like Noreen, who have contributed to society and done such a great job for St Vincent de Paul.’
Like a breath of fresh air, Noreen’s refurbished house is now more accessible, making everyday life significantly easier.
'It’s going to make life easier to just walk out the back door and be able to sit here and have a nice cup of tea and a good book to read,' Noreen said.
‘I’d like to say thank you very, very much to everybody who’s come here. Even for the littlest thing they’ve done—I just really appreciate it.’
‘I cannot thank people enough for what you have done for me, and I just thank God that you’re wonderful enough to come and do it.’
The subplot to this truly touching story began with Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington revealing Noreen as the show’s inaugural Helping Hand recipient.
In a surprise ambush, they announced the start of the renovations while sending a surprised Noreen on a short holiday.
‘We are giving you a helping hand on our very first Helping Hand Day,’ Shirvo told Noreen.
‘You have been so wonderful, we want to send you on a staycation as all these tradies renovate your yard,’ Natalie added.
The news was as heart-warming as it was unexpected, leaving Noreen stunned.
‘God bless you all. All I can say is thank you very, very much,’ Noreen said.
Michael Quinn, president of St Vincent de Paul, endorsed Noreen as a deserving recipient.
‘For a person who has donated 43 years of her life, caring and supporting others, and she’s been excellent in doing that,’ he said.
You can watch Sunrise’s coverage below:
Credit: Sunrise / Facebook
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