Volunteers have been hailed for their ‘invaluable, immeasurable’ contribution to mark the beginning of a national recognition campaign.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is joining the annual celebration as a way of thanking those who selflessly give their time and support across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Volunteers’ Week starts today and runs until Sunday – providing an opportunity to showcase the vital contribution volunteers make to charities, organisations and communities across the UK.
EACH has a dedicated army of volunteers, with many lending a hand in one of its shops or at its Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
Others give their time to support fundraising events, provide practical help in families’ homes, assist with administrative or office-based tasks or help with maintenance jobs at one of the charity’s hospices in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Some dutifully give their time to serve on the Board of Trustees.
“We’re constantly humbled and forever grateful to everyone who chooses to volunteer for EACH,” said EACH Chief Executive Kevin Clements.
“The contribution they make is truly invaluable, and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.
“Every hour they spare has a genuine impact and makes such an enormous difference to the children and families we support.
“It’s immeasurable and not just about their time. Volunteers also bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment, as well as kindness, compassion and a genuine desire to help others.
“It’s impossible to overstate the mammoth role they play within our organisation, and we’re deeply thankful for everything they do.”
Volunteers’ Week, now in its 42nd year, runs during the first week of June, shining a spotlight on the incredible contribution volunteers make across the UK.
As a way of conveying its gratitude, the EACH team has been gathering messages from staff members, giving them an opportunity to express their thanks.
It is being shared with volunteers this week, with comments including a nod to their ‘hard work, commitment and passion’.
Members of EACH’s Community Fundraising team cited volunteers’ ‘dedication and enthusiasm’, along with their ‘energy, positivity and willingness’ which puts them at the ‘heart of our work’.
Meanwhile, volunteers who provide practical help in families’ homes were thanked for giving their time so generously, as well as providing a ‘cheerful smile and listening ear’.
As another way of rewarding exceptional volunteers, EACH is taking part in Room to Reward – a national scheme offering them unsold hotel rooms, to provide a well-earned break.
A tricky selection process focusing on specific milestones and exceptional projects has taken place, and the winners will be announced this week.
“We’re pleased to be part of this wonderful scheme,” said Hannah Milbourne, EACH’s Volunteer Services and Development Manager.
“The rooms have been donated and are therefore limited in number, so choosing the volunteers to benefit proved a real challenge.
“Clearly not everyone can be selected, but I hope every one of our volunteers knows their individual impact is seen and deeply valued.
“We’re also looking forward to celebrating and thanking them personally when we hold our volunteer thank you days in Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich and Colchester during September and October.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for EACH can get in touch by emailing VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
Members of the team will also be present at various events this week, including a jobs fair at Norwich Jobcentre, in St Lawrence Lane, and the Festival of Volunteering: West Norfolk Volunteer Fair, organised by The DWP, Purfleet Trust and Community Action Norfolk and taking place at King’s Lynn Town Hall.
Both the Norwich Job Centre and King’s Lynn events are taking place on Wednesday, 3rd June, with the Norwich one running from 10am until 12pm and the King’s Lynn one from 9.30am until 1.30pm.
EACH staff will also be on hand to speak to visitors at a Volunteer Extravaganza at The Forum, in Norwich, from 10am until 3pm on Thursday, 4th June.
