Nov
4th
A Nation Of Volunteers!
By Yvonne
Stop and think for a few minutes, about all the people around you,
who do voluntary work in some capacity, approx 27% of the
population apparently!
Hospital Radio, Environmental/Conservation Projects, Lifeboatmen, Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance, Girl Guide Leader, Hospital ward Volunteer, Pet Rescue Centres, National Trust,Charity Shop Retail Helpers ..... the list is endless.
I have helped in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, in Charity Shop Retail. This has been with a variety of National charities, but for the last 8 years has been with my local Hospice Shop. Being a part of a smaller organisation, has, on the whole, been a much more rewarding experience, that I have enjoyed immensley.
I have always been amazed at the dedication of the people I work with. Many of them are well into their 70's and even 80's and several of them have been helping the charity, since it was started in someone's front room! Today there are 19 shops in a small area of the Southwest, which are very modern and well equipped. Our own shop has a rotating shift of approximately 40 volunteers, who appear come rain or shine to help out in a variety of roles.
The generosity of the public is also amazing, with their volume of donated stock for us to sell, and without which, we would not be able to open our doors. Just remember, when that charity sack lands on you doormat; that the item of clothing that you no longer wear, the ornament you had as a gift and never really liked, or the book you read once and is sat on the shelf, may be a life-line to someone else!
People volunteer for a whole variety of reasons, with many even risking their own lives, but all wanting the same basic outcome, to feel fulfilled, to put something back into society, and help someone else along the way.
Now, think what would happen if all those volunteers disappeared tomorrow!!!
Hospital Radio, Environmental/Conservation Projects, Lifeboatmen, Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance, Girl Guide Leader, Hospital ward Volunteer, Pet Rescue Centres, National Trust,Charity Shop Retail Helpers ..... the list is endless.
I have helped in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, in Charity Shop Retail. This has been with a variety of National charities, but for the last 8 years has been with my local Hospice Shop. Being a part of a smaller organisation, has, on the whole, been a much more rewarding experience, that I have enjoyed immensley.
I have always been amazed at the dedication of the people I work with. Many of them are well into their 70's and even 80's and several of them have been helping the charity, since it was started in someone's front room! Today there are 19 shops in a small area of the Southwest, which are very modern and well equipped. Our own shop has a rotating shift of approximately 40 volunteers, who appear come rain or shine to help out in a variety of roles.
The generosity of the public is also amazing, with their volume of donated stock for us to sell, and without which, we would not be able to open our doors. Just remember, when that charity sack lands on you doormat; that the item of clothing that you no longer wear, the ornament you had as a gift and never really liked, or the book you read once and is sat on the shelf, may be a life-line to someone else!
People volunteer for a whole variety of reasons, with many even risking their own lives, but all wanting the same basic outcome, to feel fulfilled, to put something back into society, and help someone else along the way.
Now, think what would happen if all those volunteers disappeared tomorrow!!!
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