When and how did you get involved with Willetton Basketball?

I joined the Willetton Basketball club when my son started playing for Tangos in 2003.

What are your activities and what do they involve (around Willetton)?

I am the merchandise officer for the club. It involves ordering & updating new stock lines through our suppliers regularly for SBL, WABL, Referees and the Office Staff. 

What motivates you to stay involved? 

I took on this position a few years ago as a helper and was subsequently involved in the process of changing our suppliers a couple of years ago. I want to see the clubs merchandise and uniforms needs completed and run successfully. 

Why do you volunteer?

I find it very rewarding and I also love being part of a very successful club. It really keeps me involved in the club and I have made a lot of lifetime friends along the way.

Of what contribution or achievement are you most proud?

With the guidance and support of the uniform committee I am really proud of all the changes we have managed to achieve over the last 2 years including:

• New WABL boys uniforms (2014)
• SBL uniforms and off court merchandise (2015)
• New WABL girls uniforms (2015)
• WABL off court merchandise (2014-2015)
• New line of Supporters merchandise (2015)

What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? Long term? 

In the near future I hope that our club will continue to support all our new players and families and that we will have more teams entered into the WABL competition next year.  Our club is one of the fastest growing clubs and I hope it continues.

As for long term I would love the club to set up a dedicated merchandise shop in the future re-development of the new stadium.

Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement? Providing Inspiration?

My family. Although both my children have played all through their junior years up to SBL, they have both moved on to other ventures in life.  My husband Lance supports my involvement in the club and likes to come and support the SBL teams each week too.

Do you have an anecdote about Willetton Basketball?

I do not quite have an anecdote about this organisation but Willetton Tigers is a great family orientated club.  It is like one big family.

What other organisations or causes do you support?

I volunteer at Anglicare each week through my work (as a support worker) and I have supported the Heart Foundation (volunteer for collection) and Diabetes and Mental Health.

Do you have a message to share?

We definitely do need more volunteers around the club especially in the uniform/merchandise shop.  A few hours here and there can make all the difference. Let me know if you'd like to lend a hand.

Keri Pirini, Merchandise Officer, Willetton Basketball Association

May 2015