IT HAS never been a question of why, but why not? Brenda and Doug Treasure have been married for 26 years and along with running two businesses, their generosity for helping the community has been brewing along the way.
No strangers to the act of generosity and volunteering, Doug has recently clocked up an incredible 400 donations to Blood Bank, along with his ongoing voluntary role as a coast guard at Caloundra and many voluntary positions previously held throughout the country, even overseas.
When Doug first began donating to Blood Bank, he explained they would only take full blood, which was collected every ten weeks. Now, he donates plasma and platelets every two weeks. And he has no intention of stopping anytime soon, calculating he could be up to 730 donations by his 72nd birthday.
“I was 18 when I first became a blood donor,” Doug explained. “Mum and Dad were both donors and I thought why don’t I give it a try.”
“I have always wanted to give back in whatever capacity, whether it be donating blood, or being involved with the SES, surf lifesaving… the community aspect is really what it’s about.”
Brenda echoed that statement, who, after reading of the plight of the Glass House Mountains RSL Sub-Branch committee and having recently joined as members of the club, took on the much needed role of Treasurer.
“After being cooped up the last few years, we decided it was time to spread our wings again and joined the RSL in December 2022,” Brenda explained.
“I had seen the story about the call out for volunteers on the committee and when we were in next I said to Brian [Machin, sub-branch president] I have extra time, and I’d be happy to give my time to the committee… Doug also put his hand up to help.”
With a background of working in the services, Brenda has a full membership with the club and Doug joined as a social member, volunteering his time behind the bar.
“If you don’t have board members and fill those key roles, those organisations and services could close,” Brenda said, sharing the importance the sub-branch plays within the community, welcoming and supporting everyone that comes through the doors.
“There are lots of volunteer opportunities if people only just looked and get them.”
