We recently had a chat with a longtime supporter of Travellers Aid, philanthropist, avid reader, and author Pamella Wells.
Listening to Pamela talk about the life she and her late husband Rod shared was inspiring with lots of twists and turns, travel and adventure.
Pam grew up in Echuca before moving to Melbourne as a young woman. She became a successful pharmacist, managing a group of pharmacies in the Toorak, East Prahran, and Glen Iris areas when she first met Rod. They married in 1974 and shared a happy life together until Rod’s decline in health and his death in 2003. In his memory, Pam has recently written a book, ‘The Tiger Has Many Lives’ to share the story of an incredible man.
It is a fascinating read about Rod’s life, of his journey from boyhood to man, his imprisonment during the second world war and his escape from death many times in between. Pam writes, “If the mettle of a man is measured by his courage in adversity, then Rod Wells proved that he was made of indestructible fibre. From an early age in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, Rod’s enquiring mind and passion for wireless technology led him to pursue an outstanding career.”
A few years after Rod’s death, Pam was passing through Southern Cross Station and used the services of Travellers Aid. The experience was such a positive one that she decided then and there to support our organisation.
With a true commitment to philanthropy and supporting less well-known organisations, the Rod and Pamela Wells Community Fund has supported many charities who might not have big budgets or famous names but who do wonderful work in their communities. Although the fund is no longer active, Pam has continued to support Travellers Aid and to contribute to her local community in numerous ways.
‘Pam now lives in Tatura where she is an active participant at Goulburn Valley University of the Third Age (U3A). She loves keeping in touch with her family and friends. Pam continues to be an avid read as well as now being a published author.’
We at Travellers Aid thank Pam for sharing her and Rod’s story and for her generous support of the work we do.