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Where have you volunteered?

My volunteering journey started when I was about 11 years old. My parents were active members of Lions Club Africa, and every month they would host fundraising events to help members of the community from low-socioeconomic areas of Africa to pay for food and medical interventions. I would join the events and help with various tasks from helping packing food kits to helping to wash cars as part of fundraising events. As I grew older, I've helped with fundraising events within my cultural community hosting sporting events for young children who didn't have access to equipment and facilities to play sport. I've also volunteered my time as a sports coach in schools during my time at university.

Why is volunteering important to you?

I saw the amazing work my parents and my community were doing and this influenced me to get involved with volunteering. For me personally, it felt amazing being able to do something small on my part which impacted lives in such a positive way. To experience the appreciation first hand, motivated me to keep being involved with volunteering.

What impact has volunteering had on you?

Volunteering has helped me to appreciate the little things in life by seeing how small positive gestures can have such a big impact on other peoples lives. It has helped me develop many transferrable skills which are invaluable and help me in my daily professional and personal life.

It has also enabled me to meet and work with people from all walks of life and create a network of professionals that benefit me in my area of work.

What advice would you give to people thinking about volunteering?

Don't waste time thinking if volunteering is for you or not. The amount of transferrable skills you'll gain and the opportunity to create a network for yourself will be invaluable.

The satisfaction you'll gain knowing you're impacting other people's lives in such a positive way will be an amazing feeling.

There's so many varied roles available through our network of organisations and partners, that there'll definitely be something out there for you to get involved with! Most importantly, make sure you enjoy your role, whatever you choose to get involved with!