Volunteers praised for contribution to island life
VOLUNTEERS for local charities are being thanked for their ongoing efforts by the Association of Guernsey Charities and local dignitaries in UK Volunteers’ Week, starting today.
Lt-Governor Richard Cripwell, who was a volunteer himself at last year’s Island Games, urged islanders to consider supporting charities financially or by giving time and skills.
‘Charities are an integral part of life in Guernsey and make an extraordinary contribution to our society,’ he said.
‘In every walk of life, remarkable people do remarkable things every day to enhance our lives and, for some people, simply make them more bearable. Many charities on the island do their work unnoticed and unheralded, but all of them make a difference. Anything you can do will make a difference as well.’
Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the individuals who give their time, passion and skills to make the island communities stronger and more vibrant, and aims to shine a light on the huge variety of causes and activities volunteers get involved in.
The AGC said that volunteers bring diverse skills and perspectives, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of community initiatives. Without them many community services are viable that would otherwise be unaffordable.
Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon has also offered his thanks to the island’s volunteers.
‘Volunteers’ Week 2024 is an opportunity for us all to offer huge thanks to the many people who volunteer their time and energies so willingly to help others from our community with charitable and other good causes,’ he said.
‘Without them, we would all be much poorer. We should encourage and support everyone who volunteers or might consider doing so because whatever help they can give is invaluable.’
Kristin Dowling, development officer of the Association of Guernsey Charities, said it was important to recognise those people who make the charitable sector tick.
‘It is fantastic to see a strong volunteering culture in Guernsey, with many islanders feeling a real connection to their
community and a sense of personal responsibility to contribute their time and skills,’ she said.
‘It’s not just the outstanding contributions that make a difference, all the small acts of kindness are of equal importance, helping our community to be a fairer, healthier and happier place for everyone.’
