Volunteers’ Week begins today, and The Children’s Society CEO, Mark Russell, wrote to us to thank their local volunteers. As an organisation run by volunteers, we at West England Bylines couldn’t agree more.
The value of volunteering is immeasurable, not only to society, but to the volunteers themselves. And it’s incredibly rewarding. So, if you can, get on board – whether it’s volunteering for The Children’s Society, Bylines, or another organisation.
Here’s Mark’s letter, which explains how you can get involved in The Children’s Society’s vital work.
Dear Editor,
This Volunteers’ Week (1=7 June), I want to pay tribute to the people in Somerset who are quietly changing children’s lives.
Across Somerset, 15,071 children are eligible for free school meals, a stark reminder that for many families here, getting by is a daily struggle. Nationally, 4.5 million children are living in poverty: going to school hungry, wearing worn-out uniforms, unable to join in with friends. Somerset volunteers for The Children’s Society are helping us reach those children, through befriending, community events, charity shops, and speaking up as local ambassadors.
To every volunteer in Somerset: Thank you. Your time and commitment make our work possible.
But we need more people to step forward. Whether you can spare a few hours in one of our shops, support a young person directly, or use your voice as a speaker or ambassador, every contribution matters.
To find out how to get involved, visit http://childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 303 7000.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Russell OBE
Chief Executive,
The Children’s Society
Comments? We want to hear them. Please write to editor@westenglandbylines.co.uk
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