This Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing the stories of people whose lives have been impacted by participating in voluntary service. Today, we’re chatting to Tom, who volunteered for the first time at a Christmas Lunch for the homeless, elderly and isolated, hosted by the Brompton Oratory and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you were looking at doing some volunteering.
First of all, I think it’s important to note that I’m really not one of the great people that give themselves to charitable works, nor the type of person you would expect to volunteer.
My background comprises the financial world and property. I’m now embarking on a social media venture which I hope will have a true ‘social’ purpose or benefit, and will hopefully enable me to support charities and good causes – locally, nationally and internationally. It’s what drives me every day.
What pushed me to do volunteering? Well, to be honest, I think I just had enough of Christmas being so commercialised and felt that as I had more than enough of everything, it was time to give something to those who needed it. Yes, donations of money to charities are important, but I thought that perhaps giving time and oneself might be of more use and also do me some good.
I had been wanting and trying to do some volunteering for a number of years, but just never could get on board with anyone. That is, until I met this amazing priest, Fr Philip, who then recommended to me the Caritas Volunteer Service.
Did the Caritas Volunteer Service help you find a volunteer role?
Yes, they put me in touch with Brompton Oratory. I phoned them up and had a chat, and despite being full with volunteers for Christmas Day, they kindly invited me to come along.
How did you find your volunteering experience?
I should say that firstly, I was completely out of my comfort zone. Not having any experience at all in this, I was somewhat apprehensive about what I might be asked to do. So I drove up, nervous as anything, found my way into a hall filled with volunteers, and was then introduced to the chap running the event.
Within minutes I had a sticker with my name on it stuck to my chest, and was told my first job was to look after a lady attending Mass at the Oratory. I was taken across the courtyard and into the side door where, faced with a sizeable congregation, I wondered to whom I was to be assigned.
I was then directed to this diminutive elderly lady, who turned out to be an absolute delight. She was frail, so small, yet her eyes shone brightly and her story was one that told me she was a truly good soul. To be honest I think that at the outset we were both a tad nervous, but I helped her go to Communion and back to her pew, and when Mass was finished I walked her to the hall where lunch was to be served.
The guests were a mixture of homeless and elderly people. There were 63 guests in total, and whilst I didn’t speak to many, I found that those who I spoke to all had a story to tell. In hindsight, I wish that I had more time and courage to speak to more of them.
One thing that truly surprised me was that a family with two young children came along [to volunteer]; I really believe that a lot of the guests were delighted to see, be around and speak to these youngsters. Whoever this family were, I think they (and particularly the children) ought to be recognised; I don’t think that at their tender age I would have been very agreeable to giving up Christmas Day.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Yes, I certainly would. If you think that you’ve already got enough of everything for you to be comfortable and content, then I don’t think it would hurt to consider giving a bit of your time to something like this or any charity helping those in need.
If you think you’re going to be out of your comfort zone, yes you probably will be, but you don’t need to worry about that because the volunteers and guests make everything very easy for you. It really is a case of “no previous experience necessary.”
Final thoughts?
Driving back that evening, the feelings I had were a mixture of being exhausted, humbled, privileged and honoured, and on top of that was another sensation, or perhaps a sense of wellbeing that I had either forgotten about or never had. In essence I felt good; not proud, but happy and content.
I know this was my experience, and everyone will have different experiences, but I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering, just do it! Hand on heart, it was the best Christmas Day I’ve had for years.
Feeling inspired? Browse volunteering opportunities here.
