Lorraine
Shocked by the Tsunami and stirred by the new year, Lorraine fulfilled a resolution to volunteer.
"The events of the tsunami disaster in December 2004 electric-shocked me into realising how little I had done for other people.
Like many others, when I realised the enormity of the disaster, I felt compelled to get off my self-centred tush and do something for somebody else for a change. So much for good intentions - I did nothing.
Fast-forward one month. Having just broken up with my boyfriend, I was wallowing in self-pity. And I remembered back to Boxing Day and the tsunami.
Now was the time to actually do something. I happened upon an article in one of the Sunday papers about volunteering, tapped in the link to do-it.org.uk and was surprised at the number of volunteering positions on offer. After a few minutes of scrolling, selecting and typing I had narrowed it down to a few opportunities.
I have now been volunteering for almost three months and I can honestly say that it has changed my life.
"I felt compelled to get off my self-centred tush and do something for somebody else for a change."
I volunteer for Marie Curie Cancer Care in the fundraising department as gifts-in-kind officer and I love it. My role is to call businesses, services and shops and ask them to donate prizes for the highest fundraisers taking part in the London Marathon. I also write thank-you letters to people that have donated funds and raised money, source products for the runners post race goody bags, put together info packs and liaise with the people running for Marie Curie in the marathon.
There is always a lot to do getting the runners' vests organised, finding out their race numbers and of course letting them know where the post-race reception is!
Volunteering here has enabled me to come back out of my shell. The people are very friendly and welcoming and the staff organise lots of social events. I am learning new computer skills and getting to know a huge variety of people who I would not normally have met.I feel much more self-confident, especially when I see the work that I put in along with the rest of the fundraising team bearing fruit.
My original motivation was to help others. But now, through volunteering, I am also helping myself."