Meet the volunteer - Koyenum

How long have you been involved with CAFOD?

I first became a parish volunteer when I was 14 years old.

What first attracted you to CAFOD?

I was initially attracted to volunteering with CAFOD when I saw an item in the parish newsletter asking for CAFOD volunteers. I had already heard of CAFOD because of the CAFOD events that had been held at my primary school so I decided that I would send in an email and offer to volunteer in my parish. When speaking to the local coordinator, I learnt that there was no volunteer in the nearby parish where I sometimes also go for mass. So, with the support of my parents, I decided to begin volunteering there instead.

What does you do as a parish volunteer?

Since signing up, I have delivered the Family Fast Day talks at Lent and Harvest. I delivered the short talk the week before Fast Day so that people were aware it was happening before the day and could come prepared. This Family Fast Day we introduced a new method of donating. Again with the support of my parents and with the consent of the parish priest, we ordered a contactless device from CAFOD and were able to provide an alternative method of payment for those who didn’t have cash handy. It proved very useful and increased our donations.

Have you taken part in additional volunteering activities?

I was also keen to support CAFOD’s campaign as that is how we can start to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice. I ran a sessions on CAFOD’s Fix the Food System campaign where over 12 people attended. We all learnt so much more about why our food system is broken.

What’s been the best thing about volunteering?

The best thing so far about volunteering for CAFOD is when I see the results of all the hard work and planning that goes into each CAFOD event. Whether it is seeing people showing up and engaging in campaigns or seeing people ready and willing to donate towards CAFOD’s work. It is always amazing to see that your message is getting across and that the work you are doing is actually making an impact!

What would you say to people interested in volunteering?

I will keep volunteering for CAFOD as long as possible because of all the good work that I am able to contribute to and to be part of our global family. For those considering volunteering, I would definitely encourage you to go ahead and put yourself out there, step out of your comfort zone to spread CAFOD’s message. You will definitely not regret it, and you will be really proud once you see how much of a difference you can make.