Volunteering!

I have been in a feel good mood today; Darrell was due home this evening. Sadly however, as I was writing this entry, I heard there will be a long delay at Alicante Airport and his flight is expected to leave three hours late. Tonight Darrell will be staying in Southampton and I will see him tomorrow before work.

Anyway, back to my blog.....Today I have been volunteering; after missing my session last week due to it being a Bank Holiday, I was happy to be back in Commercial Road. I always look forward to my afternoon at Cancer Research, it is great working with everyone there, Managers and volunteers alike.

If you are reading this blog today and have some time on your hands, please think about sparing a few hours a week volunteering at the Cancer Research shop in Portsmouth. They are currently looking for volunteers to help sort items donated by the public and working the till on the shop floor. I thoroughly enjoy my time liaising with customers, chatting with colleagues and replenishing stock. Volunteers are a feisty bunch, full of life experience, stories and plenty of stamina, all happy to be giving back to the community in which they live.

I was brought up to do what I can, helping others whose circumstances are challenging and difficult. Personally I have a background in the charity sector, especially enjoying my time as a Mentor and advocate at Action For Children. My connection to the work charities do, has instilled in me a culture of philanthropy. I am very altruistic in nature and believe everyone should do their bit for those in greatest need. When you work with volunteers you understand just what makes them tick and quickly their benevolent nature rubs off on you; I caught the humanitarian bug well and truly many years ago and intend to dedicate some time each week to Cancer Research for as long as I can. Whatever charity you choose, I am of the view, there should be a personal connection. I chose Cancer Research because my Aunty Carol and my Mother-in law are both battling cancer at this time.

With Darrell arriving tomorrow morning, I intend to rope him in to volunteering while he is here, Cancer Research always need an extra pair of hands. Unlike his previous experience, which wasn't so good, I know Darrell will thoroughly enjoy giving some time to the crew in Commercial Road. As for me, well I'll be in as usual, next week, if not before, helping to 'beat cancer sooner!'