From wrapping Christmas gifts for our residents to painting our staff room, our individual and corporate volunteers bring additional skills and new perspectives, enhance the quality of our work, and help promote the wellbeing of our residents.
This Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June) we are thanking everyone who has volunteered with us over the last 12 months for helping to make a difference to people whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage.
Paul Berry, Homeless Oxfordshire’s Fundraising and Communications volunteer, tells us why he gives his time and what volunteering means to him.
What made you decide to become a volunteer with Homeless Oxfordshire?
I found this position with Homeless Oxfordshire online while searching for volunteering opportunities. I’ve never volunteered before with a charity. I knew nothing or very little about any charities, but it was in my heart to support a local charity that helped those experiencing homelessness.
This clarity of how I could help and how I could add value really helped me decide.
The introduction call also helped because the Homeless Oxfordshire team acknowledged my previous marketing experience which supports the communications and fundraising team. This gave me the confidence to choose Homeless Oxfordshire.
What have you learned during your time volunteering with Homeless Oxfordshire?
I choose to do my volunteering at O’Hanlon House (Homeless Oxfordshire’s main hostel), so I could work with the team in person, and you immediately get a real sense of how the charity supports people experiencing homelessness.
It has been encouraging to see the services and activities Homeless Oxfordshire offer their residents and to see how this community is being supported.
How has volunteering benefitted you?
For my professional background, it has been very insightful being part of the fundraising and communication team. But most of all it has just been important to me to help my local community and support an urgent cause.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with Homeless Oxfordshire?
Please do! There is lots of important work going on at Homeless Oxfordshire which will always need more support. The team here are nice and welcoming too.
Homeless Oxfordshire is currently looking for a Trust Fundraising Volunteer and a Community and Events Fundraising Volunteer. Click here for more information and details on how to apply.
