Volunteer Co-ordinator Peter Moody would like to introduce you to Rita, one of 50 volunteers who give their time to us, helping raise awareness and much needed funds.
“Rita’s commitment to others is incredible. She gives and she gives, not expecting or needing anything in return. Rita has been a companion for the best part of five years, supporting me with numerous projects. It began with her handing out leaflets and providing a sympathetic ear to dozens of cancer sufferers and their families, when she volunteered with NHS Tees and Macmillan Cancer Support. Now she volunteers with The Great North Air Ambulance Service and is a key member of the GNAAS volunteer ground crew.
“Rita braves the buses every Tuesday and Thursday and makes her way to our offices in Darlington to carry out vital admin work, she also gets involved in weekend and evening activity, supporting at events and helping other volunteers at public engagements.
“It is wonderful to see how far this true heroine has come. Whilst having life woes of her own, she strides forwards in such a positive manner, supporting a cause that she sees a clear need for and with a never faltering smile. Without Rita, my motivations to develop my own career in volunteering just wouldn’t have been as heightened.
“It’s hugely rewarding to witness her develop and grow in confidence. When I first met Rita, she explained that she wouldn’t be much help, maybe just be involved in some light admin work. Little did she know we’d have her helping at summer events, attending charity balls and entertaining and talking to people in the street. She openly admits that if I’d told her that during her induction, she’d have run a mile!
“Rita gets nervous, as do I each time I’m out meeting new people, but hopefully like all our volunteers she gets much more out of the roles than the roles get out of her. Loving every minute of it, being outdoors, being indoors, doings what’s needed, wanting to do it too, and doing it voluntarily. I want every volunteer I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with to know that you instil a fire in my belly and I know in my heart that I’m doing what I’m meant to do in life. Thank you!”
Rita is just one of many amazing folk who give their time to GNAAS simply because they want to do their bit for their local community. I’ll leave you with a word from Rita herself: “I would advise anyone who has any spare time to volunteer, it’s such a fulfilling experience. Not only that but people have seen a change in me since I started volunteering with Pete as my coordinator. My friends all say that my involvement has been a real life-saver for me and I thoroughly agree.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, get in touch. Just click on the volunteer button below and fill in the form.
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