Some of our members will have seen the Facebook post announcing Kirsten Davidson as a recipient of an Essendon Football Club Sections Committee (EFCSC), Outstanding Service Award. Some context: in 2017 the EFCSC reinstated an award they had presented in the past to recognize volunteers. At Essendon Hockey we have the opportunity every two years to nominate a volunteer we wish to recognise. Previous winners acknowledged at Essendon Hockey presentation nights have been Louise “Wizz” Height and Gary Malcolm. We remain ever grateful for the EFCSC’s / Windy Hill ongoing support of our club and appreciate the opportunity to recognize outstanding volunteers.
Our 2021 nominee Kirsten Davidson received her award at a recent EFCSC function. Our club has benefitted from Kirsten’s work on the women’s committee, junior committee and the board. Her contribution beyond the committee work of the admin of teams is also impressive. Just some of these contributions: coaching teams, implementing communication and finance efficiencies, uniform and off field wear orders and sales, assisting canteen management, cleaning, ball kid (!), first aid room management, arranging umpires and registrar.
Many of you benefitted at training and game days from her helpful presence answering all sorts of questions! New members across sections experienced her cheerful welcome and follow up as she assisted with the admin of joining, uniform, introductions to coaches and team mates and follow up to see they had settled in to the Essendon Hockey community.
In receiving her award Kirsten spoke of appreciating the opportunity to volunteer at the club she played at as a junior and senior. She acknowledged skills developed and relationships built through volunteering and expressed the hope that others, in particular younger members, continue to get involved.
Thank you and congratulations Davo!