Meet the volunteer - Carole

How did you first get involved with volunteering?

For many years I have seen the work of CAFOD as one of the ways our faith is put into action. With my retirement approaching I was thinking and praying about new opportunities when there was an appeal for school volunteers in my parish.

I feel it is really important for young Catholics to learn about how faith can be used for good in the world and spoke to Jo, the local volunteers coordinator, about training to be a school volunteer and spread the news about the work CAFOD does.

Did you receive training to be a schools volunteer?

I completed the training at the start of the pandemic, so of course it was a long time until I actually visited a school! I did learn a new skill though and made a couple of videos thanking schools for their fantastic fundraising efforts on behalf of CAFOD.

What’s been the best thing about volunteering for CAFOD?

The schools team at CAFOD were really supportive and encouraging through this and the schools really appreciated the videos. And I think this is an example of what is so great about being a school volunteer – the opportunity to share something positive and uplifting about what we can achieve with schools, other volunteers and the team at CAFOD.

What’s been the best thing about volunteering for CAFOD?

Having now visited schools I can say that the joy and energy from a shared sense of being able to make a difference is a fantastic feeling. The materials which CAFOD produce for school visits are genuinely inspiring and engaging and it is a real privilege to be able to share them with pupils and teachers.

On a personal level I have loved the opportunity to learn more about CAFOD’s work and to meet with other volunteers and the wonderful staff team at CAFOD.