The Cancer Fund for Children marked Volunteer Week 2016 which runs from 1st-12th June by giving those who donate their time an extra special gift.
More than 40 volunteers were invited to a thank you event at Stormont Estate on Wednesday 8th June. Guests were given a guided tour of Parliament Buildings, by Paul Frew MLA, followed by a presentation during which each volunteer was presented with a unique ‘power jar’ specially designed by young people affected by cancer on a recent charity residential.
Each jar was individually handed painted and inside contained an inspirational message from the children and young people who wanted to personally thank the charity’s volunteers for all that they do.
Joan Burden, Chair of Cancer Fund for Children’s Mourne Support Group, who volunteer their time to raise funds for the charity, was delighted to receive such an original and thoughtful gift. She said: “It meant so much to me to receive such a personal gift from children Cancer for Children.
“My power jar is sitting on my desk in Daisy Lodge and I find it motivating to read their messages of thanks. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and I would encourage more people to get involved. We are always on the lookout for new members to join Mourne Support Group and help us raise even more money for this amazing charity.”
Every week in Northern Ireland another three children, teenagers and young adults (0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer Fund for Children works with over 350 families and 800 children and young people providing them with practical, financial and emotional support as well as free therapeutic short breaks.
Over 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year contributing an estimated £23.9bn to the UK economy whilst making a big difference to individuals and communities. Cancer Fund for Children has a range of volunteering opportunities available from helping at fundraising events, to assisting in the office or volunteering specialist skills such as youth work, complementary therapies and play therapy at Daisy Lodge Therapeutic Short Break Centre.
For more information about volunteering opportunities please contact Cancer Fund for Children please call 028 9080 5599 or email:
naomi@cancerfundforchildren.com
