Poem says a million thank yous
Local celebrities and long-term supporters of Beatson Cancer Charity have been invited to join in with the annual celebration of thanking the charity’s growing yellow army of volunteers
The poem ‘A million thankyous for a million minutes’, specially written by sports presenter Alison Walker, can be viewed on YouTube and is a glimpse into the world of volunteering at Beatson Cancer Charity.
Filmed within a day, 10 celebrities, from a mix of theatrical and sporting backgrounds, joined forces to say thank you. The author, Alison Walker introduces the poem followed by Judy Murray, pro golfer Paul Lawrie, actors Elaine C Smith, Jonathan Watson, TV presenters John McKay, Kaye Adams, Sally Magnusson, Judith Ralston and Bryan Burnett. Alison was inspired to write this through her experience of meeting #TeamBeatson volunteers from previous events. She said: “I felt so passionate about them that I had to write it all down, a poem seemed more emotive than a letter - it took me only an hour to craft as I had many reasons to thank them for. A million thankyous emerged.”
Volunteer manager, Marlyn Hosie, said: “Our 300 volunteers are wonderful and their contribution of over 18,000 hours is invaluable! Our volunteers help in so many different ways to support patients, their families and loved ones.
“I want to add my thanks, on behalf of myself and my colleague Paul, to every volunteer who has supported us this year. Your support is greatly appreciated and the impact you have should never be underestimated. Thank you for all that you do.”#
Alexis loves volunteering
The importance of volunteers has been highlighted by Quarriers as the charity thanks its supporters for their valuable contribution during Volunteers’ Week.
Alexis Gray (pictured above) from the south side of Glasgow volunteers at Quarriers James Shields Service which provides supported homeless accommodation for young men and women aged between 17 and 25 years in Glasgow.
Alexis explained: “I work in an IT, sales and marketing company as part of the sales team for business development.
“I really like my job, as it involves communicating and speaking with people but I also wanted to volunteer. I’m a very energetic person and always like to be involved in something, and I’m also studying social services part time.”
Alexis visits James Shields every Friday to interact with the young people.
She added: “I have yet to work with the young people on a one-to-one basis, and I am happy to go through the learning process which is leading up to this.
“It was not until I became involved that I realised that learning at college does not give you an understanding of or insight into the complexity of individuals in day-to-day living.
“I really enjoy being part of the team that supports the young people and provides them with a supportive and secure environment, which helps to prepare them to live independently in the future. The environment is relaxed, with a family feel.”
Volunteers helping the community stay safe and healthy
This Volunteers’ Week, British Red Cross is celebrating the impact made by the charity’s volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the outbreak began, British Red Cross volunteers in Scotland have been delivering food and medicine to those vulnerable and shielding, driving ambulances, and providing welfare checks and emotional support.
Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, said: “This has been a crisis like no other. The British Red Cross has been a lifeline for people for 150 years, and today our volunteers are needed more than ever. They have been truly exceptional through this pandemic, stepping up to support essential food supplies, our NHS, and reach people most in need.
“Volunteers’ week is also a time to recognise the impact of all voluntary agencies and the huge role they’ve had to play through this unprecedented time in our history.”
CHSS thanks its volunteers
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is celebrating Volunteers’ Week by thanking all its volunteers for the huge difference that they make to people’s lives especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The charity, caring for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, including coronavirus is providing support to the most vulnerable people in Scotland. Many people right now are feeling lonely and isolated, but Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s team of nearly 8000 volunteers are fighting back with kindness and support every day.
Every volunteer role within the organisation is making a huge impact to people’s lives whilst they are living in isolation or have very little contact with family and friends, by helping make sure that they feel safe and well in their own homes.
Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “We want to say a massive thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. We have people living in our communities who are scared and isolated and it’s so reassuring to know that our volunteers are joining us during this crisis and beyond to fight back with kindness.
“Many people have lost their weekly support groups, often their only social interaction, which is devastating to them. However, our volunteers are able to help reduce feelings of isolation and provide small acts of kindness which can make a huge difference to people’s health and wellbeing. It can mean the world to them and it means the world to everyone at Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.
“Volunteers’ Week is a great time to celebrate their hard work and share our thanks and appreciation for all of our volunteers throughout the charity. We are so grateful for the work that they have done and continue to do; especially now as we need to make sure that that no one is left to fight coronavirus alone.”
