FRANK WHITTLE
VOLUNTEER AWARD
24 OCTOBER 2023
In honour of the legendary Frank Whittle, MS Plus is very proud to announce the Inaugural Frank Whittle Award. This new award will be presented to a Gong Ride volunteer who goes above and beyond their role. Someone who upholds the values of integrity, unwavering commitment and whose selfless acts help others experience for the better.
Frank (and his hat) is legendary amongst MS Plus staff. He was a volunteer at MS Events for 28 years and was highly regarded as the backbone of the MS Gong Ride and Sydney MS Walk Run Roll.
Each year, Frank would drive his van down to Sydney from his home on the Sunshine Coast, where he would assist the Gong Ride events team with packing, writing lists and making phone calls to ensure all was ready.
Frank once said that the reason he kept returning to the Gong was for the look of appreciation he received from volunteers and riders when all was going well.
“I get a sense of satisfaction when it’s all finished. I don’t know anyone with MS, but I’m?pleased to be able to help such a worthwhile cause. I enjoy organising a system that works and I have a commitment to the organisation. It can be hard work, but it definitely has its rewards.”
Frank passed away in March 2023 and his dedication to MS Events will be greatly missed – he was a knowledgeable man that taught many of our team life lessons. We are delighted to be able to honour Frank’s legacy and hard work through this award, and hope that the trophy becomes something our volunteers aspire to win each year. On behalf of MS Plus, we wish to thank and acknowledge all our volunteers at the MS Gong Ride in 2023.
Not a volunteer yet but keen to join the crew – we'd love to have you. There's still time to sign up and make a difference - maybe even win the Frank Whittle Award yourself! Simply send an email to Renee Fox, Volunteer Manager at eventvolunteer@ms.org.au
As always, the MS Events Team is here to help with any questions you may have relating to the event. Contact your Fundraising Coach, Donovan, on 1300 733 690 or via email at events@ms.org.au.
