Debby is a multi-dimensional volunteer. For the past fifteen years, Debby has been working for The National Lottery Community Fund helping countless organisations obtain funding for their projects. As a Funding Officer, she particularly enjoys visiting the projects she awards and manages, such as those serving the homeless or elderly.
Having witnessed the value provided by volunteers on those projects, Debby knew she eventually wanted to be a hands-on volunteer. When the pandemic hit, Debby was ready to step up to the plate. At first, she was able to help with delivering food parcels for schools and prescriptions for older people. From March onward, she was busy at work assessing charities applying for COVID response funding as organisations worked tirelessly to move their services online.
Recently, Debby has been working part time and given that gyms and salons are closed, has also been busy volunteering with VODA North Tyneside. VODA provides the local volunteer organisations with support, advice and training as well as delivering services themselves. The organisation has recently adopted Volunteero, so it was particularly helpful to obtain Debby’s feedback given her vast experience in supporting volunteering projects across the country.
When asked about the Volunteero app, Debby remarked “it’s so easy to use, what I really like is being able to do the feedback.”
Having an underlying health condition herself, Debby likes that Volunteero also allows her quick access to service missions with limited exposure, like prescription delivery.
When asked about the community aspect of volunteering, Debby notes:
“Most people, when you turn up, they smile and are so appreciative that you’ve helped them.”
She also finds that the reality check of seeing the challenges others are navigating helps her keep perspective in her own life. We're proud to feature such an experienced and kind-hearted volunteer as Debby for this week's Volunteero of the week.
