10 selfless volunteers in and around Inverness celebrated this National Volunteers Week
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Volunteers Week is celebrated between June 3, and June 9 this year. It is a week in which the UK celebrates volunteers and appreciates the contribution they make. The week also raises awareness about the benefits of becoming a volunteer and the diverse volunteering roles that are available.
In aid of this special occasion, our readers have shared their volunteer stories and thanks to those helping people in and around Inverness.
1. Sarah MacDougall
Sarah is a volunteer at the Mackenzie Centre after she was medically retired from her job due to severe backlash from Covid.
She said: “I volunteer two mornings a week and I love it. I am still able to make my famous pancakes which they all love, especially the mens group on Wednesday.”
2. Isabel Paterson’s son
Isabel wrote about her 26-year-old son, who despite his autism, learning disabilities, debilitating OCD, and anxiety, manages to get out to three different charity cafes per week to wash dishes.
She said: “I am so proud of him.”
3. Phyllis Finnie
Sarah Baron gave a shout out to Phyllis who is the ‘backbone’ of Clarity Walk and supports so many people despite being retired.
Sarah said: “She is the most amazing lady I have ever met and really does deserve recognition. Thank you Phyllis for everything you do for everyone, especially my family.”
4. Ruby Mackenzie and her boyfriend
Ruby and her boyfriend both volunteer for the Blood Bikes. Ruby is a fundraiser and her partner is a driver who collects blood and brings it back to the hospital.
5. Jacquie Urquhart’s son
Jacquie’s 18-year-old son volunteers with the HIghland Hospice at the Ness Railway despite having autism and learning difficulties.
She said: “We are all so proud of him.”
6. Highland Disability swim team
Josie Aitken expressed her gratitude to those volunteer coaches who turn up without fail every Saturday.
She said: “We couldn’t run the club without them. Some have been volunteering for 20 years!”
7. Black Isle Carers
Karin Moll thanked all the volunteers at Back Isle Carers who go ‘above and beyond’ to help anyone.
She said: “Volunteers have to be looked after and celebrated as they are the heart of charities.”
8. Pets As Therapy
Pets As Therapy thanked all their Highland volunteers who visit different care homes, schools, day centres, special needs schools and various other establishments around the Highlands.
9. Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
Jenna Gray gave a shout out to all the Rainbow, Brownie and Guide volunteers who put in so much time and effort every week.
She said: “They always go above and beyond.”
10. Stuart Wallace
Jackie MacDonald thanked Stuart, who works several days a week as a volunteer in the Cathedral Cafe.
She said: “He frequently has to wash dishes by hand when the dishwasher breaks down and while paid staff have come and gone, Stuart continues to be consistent.”
