During our first volunteer month in May we identified more than 50 volunteers across the Group who give their time in one way or another. Volunteering activities include helping at schools, community groups, sporting clubs, charities, in the community through conservation projects and generally giving time for nothing in return. It seems our volunteers do get a lot in return, as you can see……..
When asked, why do you volunteer they responded:
Karan Evans BDL Liverpool - "The sheer enjoyment in being able to help a child reach its full potential and offer them activities and opportunities they may not have otherwise been able to do."- Supporting Air Cadets, Swimming Clubs and Scout groups.
Stephen Turk BDL Liverpool - "To me it doesn’t feel like volunteering and the hours don’t really matter, as I get as much pleasure from it as anyone."- Manager of under 12’s football club.
Pete Hughes BOL Aberdeen - "Nothing in return? The rewards are massive, maybe not in monetary terms but just imagine one of our cadets going on one of our ships as crew! Superb if it only happens once, we’ve made a difference!" - Volunteers for Aberdeen Sea Cadets.
Chris Sheppard BDL Avonmouth - "To help and support children so that they have something else than just hanging around the streets. I think it's really important to help to get back a sense of community. By helping others you never know when you will need help yourself. It's also 1 million miles from want I do on a daily basis which I think is pretty cool."- Supporting local church, drama groups and schools.
Cheryth Klavin Costcutter - "My local school has given my children a fantastic and happy education with many positive experiences. Enthusiastic teachers give lots of their time and I want to help the school to further its facilities. This will benefit the community where I live and the young children who will use the school in years to come."- Supporting her children’s school.
Bob Jaskiewicz BFS Chicago - "The main reason I volunteer is because I personally feel blessed to have the success I’ve experienced in my life and career and want to be able to help those less fortunate than me. I probably gain more personally than what I give to others. I say this, because I get a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing we are moving in the right direction each time we help an individual or group improve their way of life."- Supporting a local hospital and many other charitable organisations.
Robert Earl BDL Crewe - "My problem is that my right arm keeps going up when people ask for volunteers. Being involved with different groups has not only given me a whole host of new friends, but also allows me to have a life outside work. Volunteering is simply allocating time that would otherwise be given to a TV. No competition!"- Supporting a local cricket club, amateur dramatics, children’s schools and charities.
Volunteer Month of August……
Why would you give up your time to support a cause? Because your support means more to the cause you support than you can ever imagine……
If you fancy giving your time in your community here is how to get you started, check out www.do-it.org. The site has all the registered volunteer opportunities in your area.
For those who do volunteer but have not been contacted by the Community Team, get in touch and share your experience, we are so interested to know what you get up to in your local communities.
Giving blood is also a great way of giving back.
5000 employees, 3 donations a year = 15,000 pints of blood.
Just imagine the difference we could make. Realistically let’s try and give 1000 pints across the groups in 2010. If you have already donated blood let the Giving Something Back team