JULIA’S House is celebrating National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) by paying tribute to its army of dedicated volunteers who give up their time to support life-limited children and their families.
The charity, which provides frequent short breaks for parents across Dorset and Wiltshire who are caring round-the-clock for a sick child, has 450 registered volunteers.
The volunteers, who donate everything from a few occasional hours to a more regular commitment, save Julia’s House almost half a million pounds a year.
They help out with a number of tasks including fundraising, manning stalls at events, office admin, gardening, van driving, DIY, sibling support and serving customers in its shops.
Fundraising co-ordinator June Jones said: “Our volunteers are an amazing, dedicated bunch and a very important part of our team. They bring a diverse range of skills that are hugely valuable – quite simply, Julia’s House would not exist without their support.”
As a thank you, June organised a surprise delivery of cakes to each of the charity’s 10 shops and its hospices in Corfe Mullen, Dorset and – opened last month – in Devizes.
The charity’s annual volunteering survey revealed that 100 per cent of its volunteers would recommend volunteering for Julia’s House to their family and friends. This is also borne out by the fact that Almost half of all volunteers have been with Julia’s House for more than three years.
Jane Evans, a community volunteer who has been supporting the charity for five years said: “I genuinely believe I am helping to make a difference. Without people being willing to give their time the world would be a very sad place.”
Debra Yorke, who helps out in the fundraising office, agreed: “Volunteering is life-enhancing – a happy and worthwhile experience.”
“It gives me a sense of purpose,” was how corporate volunteer Matt Kot summed it up. He admitted there was also another very good reason to volunteer for Julia’s House: “There is always cake in the office!”
Julia’s House is currently looking for volunteer retail assistants, fundraisers and photographers. For more visit juliashouse.org/get-involved/volunteering or call June Jones on (01202) 644220.
SALLY ROWE
Communications manager
Julia’s House