THOSE who have been regulars at Centro Cranbourne over the years will no doubt know the familiar faces of Gordon and Ann Chippett.
The Cranbourne couple have volunteered their time for the past 23 years to collecting money for the Salvation Army at the shopping centre.
This month the Chippetts, both in their 80s, rattled their collection tins for the last time after deciding to retire from the role.
It might be thought that after almost a quarter of a century on the job they’d be glad to hand the role to someone else.
“We miss it already,” Mr Chippett said.
“It’s one of those things that has been a big part of our lives for so long, so it was hard to give it in.
“But Ann has dementia now, and I really need to spend time with her.
“Nine times out of 10, Ann’s specialist appointments fall on the days we should be collecting so it was getting too hard.
“But we gave it a good run.”
The couple have been at Centro almost every fortnight collecting donations for the past 23 years.
During the Red Shield Appeal and when there has been a disaster, the couple are there more often and in the lead up to Christmas they are there nearly every day for a month.
A plaque acknowledging their tireless efforts was erected in the food court in June last year which will remain on permanent display in the centre.
For about 20 years, Mr Chippett also did the collection at the Cranbourne horse racing meets.
Mr Chippett said what he would miss the most about his job was seeing all the familiar faces.
“Thousands of people know us as we have been there for so long,” he said.
“But I think we’ll miss them more than they’ll miss us.
“We’ve really enjoyed meeting all those people, from seeing school kids to growing up and coming back with kids of their own.
“We really are going to miss it a lot, but I’m 83 years old so it was time to hang up the tin.”
Ms Chippett agreed.
“I’ll miss watching all the kids grow up,” she said.
“You have mums with babies, and when they come back they will be sitting up in the pram and then next time they are walking around and in school uniforms.”
Mr Chippett said they wanted to thank the Cranbourne community for its support over the years.
“We’ve met lots of very nice people and very generous people,” he said.
“Thank you to all the lovely people we’ve met over the years who have given the Salvos so much support.
“No doubt someone will take over our role and I hope they get as much support as we have.”
Centro Cranbourne marketing manager Michelle Symss thanks the couple for their work.
“Gordon and Ann have provided constant liaison between the Salvation Army and Centro Cranbourne, co-ordinating gift wrapping services, Christmas rosters and collection points for donations of money and goods,” she said.
“In fact, they have been the point of contact for Centro Cranbourne for any major Salvation Army fundraising event for as long as any one at the centre can remember.
“Gordon and Ann have devoted a great deal of their personal time over a period of years to assisting those in the community and they should feel proud of their achievements.”
