What are the main things you do as a Fundraising Volunteer?

Hayley A: As a fundraising volunteer I had the absolute honour and pleasure of creating the ‘Go The Distance’ challenge which took place in July 2021. The challenge saw individuals from Scotland to Thailand walking, running, swimming and cycling to raise an amazing amount of money for The No. 1 Agency! 

As a fundraising volunteer, the biggest thing is teamwork. For me personally, the main things we do is raise awareness for the agency and bring people together.

Hayley N: I helped to find sponsors for the t-shirts, creating the fundraising pack and the PowerPoint for the end of Challenge event.

What first attracted you to volunteering with us?

Hayley N: During lockdown, I started spending more time with my grans and auntie and have had a really nice time. I realised that I haven’t spent much time with them because I am busy. However, that was just an excuse and I should have care about them more so they won’t be too lonely. Therefore, I hope to volunteer with No.1 and try my best to bring people more love and happiness.

Hayley A: Like many students, volunteering experience is key for developing personal skills relevant to our field. Aside from this, I myself had had bouts of loneliness during COVID-19 so when I saw the opportunity come up via my university’s volunteering page I instantly wanted to put my name forward.

What have you enjoyed the most about volunteering with No.1?

Hayley A: Aside from the wonderfully successful fundraiser, I have really enjoyed the weekly socials. These take place over zoom and it’s a wonderful way to just spend an hour of your day having a chat and a cup of tea! Sometimes there are quizzes, bingo, crafts such as origami – there’s a wonderful variety of things for both service users and volunteers alike!

Hayley N: Through volunteering with No.1, I have met many kind people who share similar values and goals. Working together has brought me so much fun.

How did you find working on the Go the Distance Challenge? 

Hayley N: It was a nice experience as it was my first time getting involved in a campaign. I am glad that I can be part of it and help raise awareness.

Hayley A:  Working on the challenge was amazing. I initially thought of the idea from volunteer training. A statistic that stood out to me was 100,000 elderly people across Scotland feeling lonely almost all of the time, so I worked out that 62 miles = 100,000 meters. When I took the idea forward I wasn’t sure how well-received it would be or the logistics, but it went down a treat! Seeing so many enthusiastic individuals working together to bring my idea to life was incredible and it would not have existed without everyone coming together. Meeting and exceeding our goal of £1000 was just the cherry on top!

What impact has volunteering had on you? 

Hayley A: Volunteering has helped me reflect on my own personal experiences of loneliness, and how even when we feel like there is no one out there, there always is! I feel excited to catch up with my fellow volunteers and to take part in weekly socials. It’s always lovely logging onto a call and seeing everyone laughing and smiling and having a chat! Being a volunteer has had such a positive impact on my wellbeing and I am so thankful and fortunate to be able to give back to the community!

Hayley N: Through volunteering, I got to spend my free time doing something meaningful that made both the service users and I happy. Since I enjoy volunteering and had fun, I am more willing to volunteer, to help anyone who is in need and to try my best to give back to the community in the future.

What are you most proud of in your time on the fundraising team?

Hayley N: I am proud of myself that I’m always motivated to work on the tasks I was given no matter how busy I am. And I am glad that I get along well with the team.

Hayley A: I only began volunteering with The No.1 in February this year, and I have been on the fundraising team for an even shorter amount of time. I am proudest of the success of the fundraiser and awareness that the fundraising team have achieved for the agency and the hard work and dedication that goes behind the scenes of these things. Mostly I’m just proud of the organization I volunteer with and very thankful to be involved.