This is Volunteers' Week! We are meeting some of our emergency volunteers each day this week to find out what they’re doing, and why they do it.
Donna Mayell and William Hall are Tameside Neighbourhood Volunteers. They are welfare and donation volunteers and are planning to become Miles of Smiles Drivers.
Why have you chosen to volunteer?
Having been furloughed from our current employment, running 100 miles an hour! We found we had plenty of time on our hands. We decided to turn this negative situation into a positive one by giving up our free time to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves and to also give something back to the wonderful community we live in.
How have you approached the tasks?
In believing others should be treated how we would like to be treated, we always look at each situation and put ourselves in that person’s shoes.
Has anything surprised you/ have you learnt anything new about yourselves or your community whilst volunteering?
Action Together is a fantastic charity who help support our local community, the work they do, their volunteers, the time, dedication and support that they provide really does go unrecognised and not a lot of people within the community are aware of the charity itself.
We are very thankful they have allowed us to be a part of such a fantastic group of individuals who all have the same goal to help support our community and make Tameside a better place.
What would you say to someone looking to help out during this time?
Don’t just think about it DO IT. The benefits are very rewarding and you do feel that you are helping to make a difference.
Click here to find out how you can become a volunteer in Oldham, Rochdale or Tameside.
Click here to read Volunteer Voices - Ged and Cath Ball.