Volunteer Week: a big 'thank you' to our movers and shakers!

This week is National Volunteer Week. We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those volunteering heroes who make our work possible – a tiny example of whom are featured below.

Thank you for everything you do. You inspire us!

Lesley Waite, Primary School Volunteer, Westminster Diocesan Office.

Lesley Waite poses with David Brinsden at a CAFOD event

“I visit around a dozen schools to give assemblies and run activities in classrooms. We like to make sure we visit each school at least once in the academic year. We get particularly busy around Fast Days.

I’ve always known about CAFOD through my parish and from my role as head teacher of a Catholic primary school. When I retired I went to an ‘understanding CAFOD’ day, and I found out about schools volunteers.

The thing I enjoy the most is the wonderful feeling that we can all do our little bit for such a worthwhile cause. CAFOD is a charity close to my heart and I am proud to be a part of it.

Alec Ramsay, Volunteer with teams at Romero House

“I volunteer three days a week for CAFOD; one day with the Asia & Middle East section, one day with Supporters Services, and one day with the HIV team.

Volunteering for CAFOD is best decision of my life. Helping people living in poverty, and especially the HIV team - it’s where my heart lies.

My Favorite quote is by the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, who said: “When I give food to the poor they call me a Saint, when I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist”.

Jo Mountford volunteers in our Campaigns team

Jo Mountford, Campaigns Admin and Events Volunteer

"I’ve been on the CAFOD mailing list for years, and have always enjoyed hearing about CAFOD’s work, so was excited about getting more involved and do something useful for CAFOD.

I’d also like to work in the International Development sector in future, so have really welcomed the opportunity to learn about how a Development NGO (non-government organisation) works.

I help the Campaigns Team with whatever we’re currently working on. It can vary from making spreadsheets to decorating cakes!

The most memorable moments so far have probably come through promoting Tea Time for Change , including wheeling the Tea Trolley round CAFOD and posing with a giant tea cup in front of the Clock tower – I hope you’re all signed up to lobby your MP on Thursday 9 June !"

If you're inspired to volunteer with CAFOD, find out more about the many ways to get involved .

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