St Bart’s volunteer Mark Piggott was named the City of Perth’s 2021 Community Citizen of the Year for his efforts to help people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
A full-time volunteer with St Bart’s since 2018, Mark’s efforts were recognised at an Australia Day awards ceremony on Tuesday 26 January.
Volunteering more than 20 hours per week, Mark provides a range of services to St Bart’s clients and residents to enhance the lives of those he helps. These activities include providing emotional support to elderly residents, cooking breakfast and making coffees twice weekly, supervising volunteer activities including painting, gardening and mulching, and supporting the 2020 Christmas appeal.
Mark is also the person who coordinated St Bart’s very successful Christmas hamper appeal which involved the donation of goods in excess of $40,000 and the contribution of more than 1,000 volunteer hours. More than 600 clients were supported by St Bart’s appeal, receiving a bag full of Christmas goodies to remind them that they were not alone at what is a particularly difficult time of year for those without a home.
Mark said he was both surprised and honoured to receive the award.
“I find helping others very rewarding and hope my actions, however small, can potentially have a long-lasting effect and impact, making the moment better for St Bart’s clients and residents.”
St Bart’s Volunteer Coordinator Warren Nel said Mark has made a measurable impact on the lives of St Bart’s clients and residents, going above and beyond to help them on their recovery journey.
“Without Mark’s selfless commitment to St Bart’s, the organisation would be unable to provide the many activities, events and improvements to the lives of our residents and clients.
I have been in and around volunteerism in the community for 40 years and have not seen many people who could rival Mark’s efforts and impact,” Warren said.
Mark’s efforts were also acknowledged by Premier Mark McGowan and Minister for Community Services Hon. Simone McGurk MLA when they visited St Bart’s in December 2020.
St Bart’s CEO Samantha Drury said the award was wonderful recognition for Mark’s efforts.
“Mark plays an integral part in every volunteering activity undertaken at St Bart’s. His dedication, commitment and determination to helping our clients and residents is truly commendable.”
Media contact:
Rebekah Spencer – Communications and Engagement Advisor
rebekah.spencer@stbarts.org.au, 9323 5140
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.