This Volunteers Week, we are celebrating the joys of volunteering!
Volunteers' Week is an annual Week of honouring the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
In their own words, hear some of our inspiring Christian Aid stories and their advice for anyone thinking of taking the leap into volunteering. It may inspire you to start your journey!
Hannah Gooddy - Prophetic Activist
Hannah Gooddy, recent London Marathon running champion, took part in our Prophetic Activist Scheme 2022 - 2023. The Scheme brings together a team of like-minded young people, to recognise their power as changemakers within their community and beyond.
Hannah was drawn to the scheme because it advocated for promoting an active biblical response to the climate crisis. As part of the scheme, they explored strategies for engaging churches and communities in conversation by emphasizing a loving and biblical perspective. They learnt about constructing effective campaigns, came up with their own, and presented them at the end of the scheme.
The [volunteer] scheme challenged the way I viewed my faith.
Sarah Beresford - Church Representative
Sarah shared her story as Church Representative of Woolton St Peter. She has been involved in Christian Aid since May 2016 when she collected door-to-door. As her role evolved, so has their approach to Christian Aid Week.
By 2021, she had gathered a fantastic team around her, and began shaping what is now a well-established week of activities that appeals to a wide range of ages.
Sarah said, 'I get such a buzz from seeing people enjoying themselves at our quiz or chatting to someone at our Farmers’ Market stall'.
The best part of being a Christian Aid church rep is the friendships I have made with my team and all the connections within church and the wider community
Elsie Peel - Church Representative
Bolton fundraiser and church representative Elsie Peel went the extra mile for vulnerable communities around the world during Christian Aid Week 2024.
Despite currently undergoing chemotherapy, the 85-year-old former teacher, took part in a 70K in May challenge in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce.
Elsie can be seen in this picture handing out flyers about Christian Aid Week and Aline's story on her walks.
Christian Aid has done so much to empower people, and especially women and I believe it needs all our support to keep up this work.
Thank you Aloysious!
Aloysious came to the UK from Uganda for his MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies. He joined us in April 2023 and became an integral member of our team in the past year.
In this role, he efficiently managed our external support requests and addressed the department's ad hoc administrative needs, from designing team pages to providing support for conferences.
With a keen interest in equitable partnerships, he said, ‘I realised my interest in partnerships and programmes. It has been empowering and fulfilling to share my skills and time while observing the relevance of my work.’
‘The open-door policy at Christian Aid enabled me to meet and engage with different professionals matching my volunteering objectives. This inspired me to learn and understand the various skills and experiences required in the sector.’
Image credits and information
The open-door policy at Christian Aid enabled me to meet and engage with different professionals matching my volunteering objectives
Gilbert, Volunteer Speaker for the North East region, came to the UK from Nigeria two years ago.
Before coming to the UK, Gilbert saw first hand the work that Christian Aid did to support displaced people and knew when he came here, that he would want to get involved with spreading awareness of our work.
He shares with us the impact of the connections he makes with Christian Aid Churches and Groups. He encourages all with a passion for Christian Aid and experience in public speaking, to sign up and join the Christian Aid family.
Gilbert Ojabo - Volunteer Speaker
Gilbert, Volunteer Speaker for the North East region, came to the UK from Nigeria two years ago.
Before coming to the UK, Gilbert saw first hand the work that Christian Aid did to support displaced people and knew when he came here, that he would want to get involved with spreading awareness of our work.
He shares with us the impact of the connections he makes with Christian Aid Churches and Groups. He encourages all with a passion for Christian Aid and experience in public speaking, to sign up and join the Christian Aid family.
Check out our current vacancies. Got a question? Not sure if it’s the right role for you? Drop us an email if you want to discuss it further.
