Shirley remembered as a friend of the homeless
Shirley remembered as a friend of the homeless
23 May 2017
Shirley Mort, then 90, at her long-term collecting post on the Wellington Street overpass in Perth. Photo Nic Ellis, courtesy of the West Australian.
Salvationist Shirley Mort, who touched the hearts of thousands of West Australians as she collected money for The Salvation Army for over 26 years, will always be remembered as someone who “loved the Lord and the people of Western Australia and advocated for the homeless”, said close friend Gloria Reynolds.
“Shirley’s journey of helping others through the Salvos began in 1989, and continued for so many years,” said Gloria, who is also pastoral care worker at Perth Fortress Corps, where Shirley worshipped. “She was such a valued member of the team, and was always there, regardless of the weather.”
Shirley passed away peacefully on 6 May. She was 92 years old.
Over 26 years at the Perth train station footbridge and Wellington Street overpass, Shirley collected an amazing $1.7 million, before her retirement last year.
“She was certainly a well-loved public figure, and would be at her post, rain, hail or shine,” said Warren Palmer, Divisional Public Relations Secretary for Western Australia. “It was never about her though, it was always about others. She had a beautiful spirit, a real selflessness.
“Many families coming to Perth for their annual trips would make a special visit to the city to give to Shirley. She talked to everyone and just warmly engaged with the community. We have so many lovely and varied stories about the impact she has made on people.”
Shirley began her volunteer work in Perth at the Riverdale Salvation Army in 1989, after her husband, Roy, passed away. She would get up at 5am, make soup and sandwiches for the homeless, and go out with the team to deliver them to those living rough.
In 1990, Shirley began her collecting work. For at least three days per week she would do the soup run in the morning, go home to change, and then come back into the city to collect.
“She finished on the soup run around 2005, but still collected,” said Warren. “Shirley’s selfless acts of considering others before herself define who she was and will stand as a symbol of community and love for humanity.”
Andrew Murfin, Riverdale soup-run founder, said that Shirley would help anyone, even taking money out of her own pocket to do so.
“She was a real Trojan, but if you crossed her you would know about it – she would not put up with any nonsense,” he said. “If she gave money to people who spent it on alcohol, she would remember that person and never give them anything again.”
Gloria said that Shirley would be remembered as an advocate for the homeless, and a listening ear. “Her devotion to the homeless was exceptional and she would always have time, a smile, and a WarCry for anyone who needed her,” she said.
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