This week (1st – 7th June) we are celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2021.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual campaign, entering its 37th year, which sees charities, voluntary groups, social organisations, and volunteers themselves come together to recognise the incredible impact that volunteering has in our community.
This year’s theme is A time to say thanks – recognising that during an exceptionally difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and made a huge difference to people and their communities every day – just as they do every year.
Fionnuala O’Donnell, Manager at Antrim Foodbank said:
This week, Antrim Foodbank is taking a time to say thanks to each and every one of our utterly amazing volunteers! I want to thank all of those existing and new volunteers who have supported the Covid response throughout the year. We also want to thank all of those volunteers who are patiently waiting to get back to their face-to-face roles and those who have stopped and started throughout the year in line with the government guidance.
This is what some of our volunteers had to say…
Heather recently joined Antrim Foodbank as a member of our Packing Team:
For me volunteering is a simple way of giving back to the local community and meeting new people and I would encourage anyone with a few hours to spare to give it a go.
Robert has been our Tesco Collection Driver for four years now and helps out with Client Liaison:
Meeting clients and having conversations with them gives me a better understanding of the great need to provide help and support to those who are struggling to make ends meet. The Christmas Hamper effort this past year was amazing as to how many families would feel the care and love of Antrim Foodbank.
This is Mary. Mary helps as a member of our Packing Team:
I’ve been volunteering with the food bank for nearly two years now and it’s very nice to know I’m helping someone in the times we are living I think we all may need a little help sometimes.
John has been helping on our Warehouse Team since he retired seven years ago:
I wanted to do something that would help make a difference in people’s lives in the community where I lived. I also wanted the opportunity to make new friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with Antrim Foodbank, and I have made some good friends into the bargain!
This is Nora-Anne (on the left). Nora-Anne reckons she has been with Antrim Foodbank since “Day One” and is a member of our Client Liaison Team:
I love anything practical. So many love to talk and strategise about problems – which is all well and good at times – but I love how Antrim Foodbank simply gives food and what a person needs to survive and gives it with a friendly non-judgemental face. I have made new friends that I respect and am inspired by.
Janice has been helping on our Packing Team and with Client Liaison since she retired three years ago:
It has been good to feel that I am helping people, even in a small way. During the pandemic, it has also been good for me personally because even though we have to wear masks and comply social distancing there has been opportunity to speak to people face to face.
This is Paul. Paul recently joined Antrim Foodbank to look after our web Content and Social Media:
I’d previously volunteered with Citizens Advice in the town as Tribunal Rep and ultimately Chair. More recently, I’ve developed my interest in marketing and when a friend mentioned Antrim Foodbank was looking for some help it seemed like a good fit. In my first month alone, we saw a 52% increase in uptake due, in part at least, to just getting the word out.
Pat helps with Client Liaison:
I am so glad to be back volunteering at Antrim Foodbank. It is lovely to be in contact with the other volunteers and catch up on how they have been coping during the pandemic. They are a lovely friendly bunch!
This is Stephen. Stephen has been helping with the Antrim Foodbank Warehouse since he retired four years ago. John talked him into it!
It’s been a wonderful experience, meeting new people, working as a team and focusing on the needs of our own community. I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of this and looking after the Antrim Foodbank Warehouse with others suits my organisational gene!
This Week, we’re taking a time to say: Thanks!
Could you Donate Time for Antrim Foodbank?
