Awards - Harriet Mirsajadi Named 2008 Volunteer of the Year

On 16 August 2008, Harriet Mirsagadi was named the 2008 Greater Melbourne PAL Volunteer of the Year during the Championship Ceremonies at the close of the summer season.

Everyone at Melbourne PAL Basketball knows her to be a fixture in the concession area at both the Grant Street Community Center, and this summer at Stone Middle School.  What many don't know is that Harriet would arrive for duty as early as 6:00 AM on Saturday mornings to move the kitchen and required supplies to Stone Middle School where cooking was done outside in the heat of the summer on Bunsen burners.  Your web master was never around past 5:00 or 6:00 PM in the day, so I am unsure of who transported the kitchen supplies, equipment, food, drinks, and sound equipment back to the Grant Street facility, but as Harriet had used her personal vehicle to haul it to Stone, you can bet she had something to do with getting it back--this is a more than a 14 hour day for these most dedicated volunteers.

Most involved with Melbourne PAL also would not know that Harriet is involved in all aspects of both our north and south communities, and is always good for setup, teardown, and a number of delicious treats at our Community Relations Meetings.

Harriet Mirsajadi Receives Volunteer of the Year Award from Officer Delores Pryce

When questioned about her role in Melbourne PAL, Harriet probably said it the best:

...as you know I helped with the PAL summer camp last year and with Basketball this----I feel all people are equal and all children are precious----Hopefully I will make a difference in someone's life--although I will never know.  I see some of the kids from the summer camp once in awhile and they come up to me and tell me how things are going so I guess they accepted me. When I see a need I try to help fill it , this is second nature to me and I do not question myself. This is probably not helping you at all---helping is second nature to me and I do it without expectation of anything in return [...] I believe  PAL gives children a safe, learning environment and helps teach them interpersonal skills which will help them as they become productive adults.

Harriet

Congratulations on your award Harriet and of course for your undying desire to help those in need--whether they need something to eat or in your own words, "just someone to talk with."

Shawn