Did you know that nearly 40,000 folk in Dundee give their time and skills to help others?
Volunteers’ Week (June 1-12) is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. And on June 1 Volunteer Centre Dundee – who volunteer in a number of different areas from health, disability and youth to community groups, sport and welfare support – will host an award ceremony to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of Dundee’s volunteers.
Portuguese research student Barbara Guimaraes is grateful for the way her life has been enriched by volunteering.
When she arrived in Dundee in October 2014 for a research based placement at the James Hutton Institute, the first three months flew by as she immersed herself in her work.
“But after Christmas I decided to start getting involved in community volunteering opportunities,” says Barbara, 22.
An online search led her to www.voluntarygatewaydundee.org.uk, which was full of information about community projects to get involved in.
“I decided to contact a local fundraising UNICEF group which was seriously focused on raising money for children. I was so surprised how warmly they welcomed me and how imaginitive their ideas were,” she continues.
Barbara also volunteered with several nature and conservation organisations including Dighty Connect, Friends of Riverside Nature Park, Bonnie Dundee and Keep Scotland beautiful. Her duties ranged from litter picking to planting trees and flowers and recording wildlife.
A different kind of experience came from volunteering with Altformats, a service provided at the library of the University of Dundee where volunteers scan and format books in order to allow equal access to disabled people,” she explains.
“I feel so enriched by the people I’ve met and the work I’ve done and I can truthfully say I will always keep Dundee close to my heart.”
Do you know a volunteer who deserves recognition? Volunteer Centre Dundee would like to receive nominations for volunteers ahead of the awards ceremony on June 1 at the Apex Hotel. To find out more visit www.volunteerdundee.org