A north-east charity is holding an event to thank its army of helpers, as part of National Volunteers’ Week.
CLAN Cancer Support, which has centres across the north-east including Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, relies upon 400 volunteers who provide succour to people affected by cancer.
The charity will hold a summer party for its volunteers at its base on Westburn Road, in Aberdeen, on Wednesday, June 5, to thank them for their tireless efforts.
They assist the organisation in providing support to clients as well as working at the group’s events and in their numerous shops.
Anne Marie Robson volunteers at CLAN House in Aberdeen and said: “Volunteering fits in with my lifestyle. I am busy, but I wanted to do something worthwhile.
“We’re the first point of contact for clients coming in. We provide emotional support and signpost to the wide range of CLAN services.
“I just love it. Every shift, I feel as if I have helped someone.”
Volunteers receive extensive training and work together to support one other.
Ms Robson added: “Everyone has different backgrounds and brings different skills, and there is a great ambience here. After every shift, you get a debrief and a ‘well done.”
The charity’s volunteer manager, Fiona McPherson, said: “CLAN could not provide the services it does without volunteers, from people who work in our shops and help out at our fundraising events, to the support workers at our centres across the region who welcome anyone who is affected by cancer.”
Dr Colette Backwell, the organisation’s chief executive, added: “The services provided by CLAN are free to all. We are available not just in the city and towns but also in local communities through our outreach services, so we rely heavily on the hard work, professionalism and kindness shown by our volunteers.
“We have volunteers of all ages, men and women, from all walks of life. Everyone brings their own unique skills and personalities which makes for a fantastic team.
“Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to highlight the important work everyone does, whether it is at one of our centres across Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Northern Isles, at one of our shops, or at one of our fundraising events.
“On behalf of the CLAN board, the staff and our clients, we say thank you.”
