Volunteering Case Study - Kirsty

There are a number of ways in which volunteers can help us and, where possible we like to try and find them a specific project. One thing we wanted to do was become more visible locally so we decided to try to increase the number of our collecting boxes in sites around the area.

Assisting us with this project has been Kirsty.

She said

"My dad is partially sighted so I felt it was important to do something good with my time. I started by telephoning opticians to see if they would take one of the boxes. I found it really nerve wracking at first, I’ve always been nervous on the phone but I kept going because I know I’m doing my bit helping out.

"When I volunteered I thought I might have done filing or something – which might have been easier. I wanted to gain experience and this has made me much more confident."

Many shops Kirsty spoke to were unwilling to accept a collecting box saying they were afraid the boxes would be stolen but Kirsty persisted.

"The first time I placed a box with a local optician I took it in myself. I felt quite confident – I surprised myself! They were very nice to me and now our box is in position on their counter."

Aside from seeing our distinctive livery around the area, collecting boxes are now a source of much needed funds.