It’s Volunteers' Week, but let’s be honest - one week to celebrate everything our volunteers achieved this past Jubilee year is not nearly long enough!
We’re talking about 2,088 of you giving your time, taking on more than 4,265 acts of service, solidarity and compassion to help make the world a better place for all of us. Both in England and Wales, and in the communities we work with around the world, volunteers are at the very heart of our mission - our work would truly not be possible without their commitment, selflessness and generous giving of themselves for our neighbours around the world.
There aren’t enough words to adequately express our gratitude and appreciation – so, instead, we would like to give some of our volunteers the chance to share, in their own words, why they do the incredible things they do.
Miriam, from Feltham, has been volunteering with CAFOD for 13 years. In that time she’s done everything from delivering petitions to 10 Downing Street, taking on bike rides and sponsored walks, to helping inspire young minds in schools across Westminster Diocese. Watch this video to hear her story.
Angie, from Luton, first started volunteering in her parish when she was just in her early teens, handing out Family Fast Day leaflets with her sister. Ten years and one bachelors degree later, Angie now has a busy day job as a teacher but still gives her time to organise her parish’s CAFOD talks and collections.
“When I deliver the CAFOD talks and show the Fast Day videos, I feel I am able to convey to the church community how paramount their role is in society and how impactful their simple donations can be,” says Angie.
“Taking an active role in the work of CAFOD has helped strengthen my faith. My advice would be to give it a shot - you won’t know unless you try! It is a gift to be able to stand in front of the parish community and share the work of CAFOD, and how all our support is making a real difference to the lives of many in our world. Little acts can make a big difference.”
Michael, from Doncaster, retired three years ago and immediately started looking for opportunities to use his time to help others. A conversation with a priest steered him towards CAFOD, and he has been helping with his parish’s fundraising efforts ever since.
“I would like to think it was God that made me decide to become a volunteer,” he says. “I have always had an inclination of helping people as it gives me so much reward and a sense of wellbeing. It is what God would expect me to do as that is part of being a Christian. My faith plays a large part of my life and makes me stronger, braver and better. Faith helps me through times of hardship and trouble and allows me to help others going through their own sets of trials.”
Helen, from Hampshire, first volunteered with CAFOD in 1993. She is one of several longstanding volunteers who were recently presented with a special honour from Pope Leo: a papal blessing recognising their unwavering commitment to their neighbours around the world for more than 25 years.
Since Helen started volunteering, her CAFOD group has raised more than £30,000 to help people around the world facing poverty, injustice and the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
“It made me so grateful for the enthusiasm and hard work of the CAFOD group over the years,” says Helen. “Not to mention the support of the parishioners for all our enterprises. This beautiful certificate will remind me not to give up doing what we can to help those whose lives are so difficult.”
Every small act of faith makes the world a better place. Whether you have a lot of time, or hardly any, find the volunteering opportunity that’s right for you [link to volunteering sign up]
Every small act of faith makes the world a better place.
Whether you have a lot of time, or hardly any, we have the volunteering opportunity that’s right for you
