This week - June 3-9 – Christian Aid is joining other organisations to celebrate 40 years of the volunteers’ movement, share stories of supporters and inspire people to sign up for a role.
Twenty-three-year-old Ian Bell is a recent International Relations Master’s graduate from Nottingham University, and has very clear ideas about wanting to make a difference in the world.
For the past year or so, Ian has been developing his role as a Climate Justice Constituency Campaigner, speaking to faith groups about the issues around climate change, and how they can engage with local MPs to call for more action.
He explained: “Growing up in the Catholic community I’ve always known about Christian Aid, so when I considered volunteering I looked at roles within the charity. This volunteering role has given me great experiences, meeting others, developing friendships, engaging with people from all walks of life, getting to know what they care about and who they are on a deeper level.
“Not to mention it has given me the opportunity to speak with Members of Parliament and lobby them on issues I care deeply about, and which are of great international importance, such as climate justice. In total I reckon I spend around two-six hours a week in my volunteering role; it’s amazing to see where only a few hours a week can take you.”
Retired nursery teacher, Shirley Forster, from Newcastle, is a Christian Aid teacher and speaker who signed up to volunteering shortly before the pandemic.
She came across her volunteering roles after retiring: “I looked for things to do to add to the choirs and orchestra I’m in and which might use my skills as a former teacher and social worker. I responded to a Christian Aid advert for speakers and teachers. To me, if you’re Christian, it means ‘do something’, don’t sit on your hands. But Christian or not, if this might be the one thing you do, then have a go.”
Buckinghamshire-based BAFTA award-winning film editor David Blackmore (pictured above with his family) was inspired 27 years ago to give up some free time to volunteer for Christian Aid.
David, who is currently a volunteer speaker and fundraising coordinator, said: “I started off delivering envelopes but over the years I’ve organised lots of different community fundraising events such as art exhibitions, concerts, cream teas, soup lunches, quizzes, bike rides, rich/poor suppers and dance evenings.
“I also visit other churches in my role as a volunteer speaker, talking about the annual campaign story, thanking them for their fundraising and encouraging them to keep up the good work.
“Volunteering for Christian Aid helps me to put my faith into action and make a difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest communities.”
Senior Volunteering Officer, Ian Hind, said supporters are the backbone of Christian Aid's mission to end poverty. He added: “Without their unwavering dedication and commitment, we simply couldn't make the impact we do. We invite everyone to join us in this fight against poverty and stand with us as we make a difference.
“We have all kinds of roles from fundraising to helping at festivals and we’d be delighted to have more people sign up and be a part of something truly inspiring.”
If you’d like to find out more about the variety of volunteer roles with Christian Aid, visit the website https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer and email volunteering@christian-aid.org with queries.
