Meet the volunteer - Orlan

How did Orlan get involved as a volunteer? 

Orlan approached Chris Driscoll (Community Participation Coordinator) last summer as he was taking a year out before going to university. Orlan’s mum is a strong CAFOD supporter. It was her who suggested contacting CAFOD to see if there might be things he could do with us during his year out. He used to attend Campion school in Hornchurch which has been supportive of CAFOD.   

Orlan’s parish priest, Fr Adrian Graffy at Christ the Eternal High Priest in Gidea Park, decided that he would like to run the Palestine / Israel crisis appeal over Advent2024. Chris suggested Orlan speak at Mass at the beginning of Advent to introduce the appeal. He wrote the talk himself and checked with Chris that it was OK. The parish raised around £2215 over Advent. Orlan volunteered as a speaker during Advent 2024. Now he is at university he will look into volunteering there as well as at his home parish   

The Joy of Volunteering

What’s been the best thing about volunteering for CAFOD and why do you continue volunteering?  Orlan said ‘I’ve been truly moved by the response of my local parish. Through CAFOD, we've been able to show our compassion and provide a small but vital bit of comfort to those suffering in Gaza. I chose to respond to this appeal, particularly because it’s a way to directly help innocent people caught in the midst of immense suffering.’   

Orlan's message

What message would you say to people considering volunteering?  As St Basil the Great wrote, “A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."