With today being Local Charities Day, we have the chance to highlight and celebrate some of the amazing people who give up their time to help support local causes close to their hearts.
In honour of Local Charities Day we thought we would share a story from one of our long standing volunteers:
I first started volunteering at Hospice of the Valleys on 1st February 2013, almost 5 years ago now. I became a volunteer after my husband died; I wanted to give something back to the Hospice as a way of saying thank you for the help we received during and after my husband’s illness.
At the moment I help in the Fundraising Team by managing the collection tins, making sure they are clean, labelled and ready to use. I also help with other various activities as well as completing clerical and non-clerical duties.
I think we are all very lucky in Blaenau Gwent to have the Hospice; all the staff, old and new are caring, friendly, helpful and welcoming. The best thing about the Hospice is the care and support they provide for patients and families during their most desperate times.
The main reason that I continue to volunteer is so I can help the Hospice to continue to look after others as they once looked after me and my Husband. When my family was in need everyone at the Hospice was caring, professional and helped us in a very dignified manner.
Volunteers are always made to feel welcome and are recognised by GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations). Volunteering at Hospice of the Valleys gives a feeling of self-worth and satisfaction whilst giving a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends. If I could describe my volunteering experience in one word it would be ‘rewarding’. – Testimony written by Beverley Ransom who has been volunteering with us for 5 years.
