All hands on deck: Volunteering on a CARE Challenge
We can’t exaggerate the value of our volunteers- without their hard work, enthusiasm and generosity in giving their time, our events simply wouldn’t be the success that they are. And having volunteers on our events helps us to ensure they are as cost effective as possible, which translates directly into funds to support CARE’s work.
Our volunteers become part of the CARE Challenge Team from the moment they arrive, staying, working and partying alongside the team and all our participants.
How did you hear about the CARE Challenge Series?
I heard about CARE the charity, and subsequently the Challenge Series, through the grapevine! It sparked my interest straight away and I attended an informal meeting organised by CARE and another social group to find out more.
What made you decide to get involved?
I got involved with volunteering for CARE for a number of reasons. I was looking for something to do with my time that would take me out of my comfort zone and would enable me to meet some new people and the fact that the Challenges covered parts of the UK that I had never visited was also very appealing. The main reason however, was that volunteering seemed an excellent way to do something positive for a great cause without actually having to hike up 24 mountains in 24 hours myself – something which I definitely don’t have the stamina for!
How many Challenges have you volunteered on?
So far, I have volunteered on two challenges – once on the 3 Peaks event and once on the 24 Peaks event. Both were very different but equally as enjoyable (although the mornings started much earlier on the 24 Peaks event!).
What were the highlights of your volunteering?
The one thing in particular that stands out in my mind, is my experience of being a marshal up a mountain in the Lake District at 4am – in the dark, drizzle and fog! For a moment or two I did wonder what on earth I was doing there, but once all the teams had passed the marshals, the sun came out and we had a beautiful sunny day, perfect for the descent down the mountain through one of the valleys.
What did you get out of your participation personally?
An overall sense of enjoyment and satisfaction! I loved every minute of my volunteering experiences; I met some great people who I hope I will be able to stay in contact with for a long time to come and I saw some beautiful parts of the UK that I’d probably never get round to visiting had it not been for the Challenges. The thing I enjoyed most though was being part of a team – I’m self-employed and don’t have any colleagues, so working alongside such a great team of people was a fantastic experience.
Would you volunteer again?
I would most definitely volunteer again - in fact, I’ve got my name down for three events this year! I’d love to do more, but work commitments make taking time off quite difficult. I would recommend volunteering for CARE to anyone who’s not afraid to get stuck in! It’s a very rewarding experience, but mostly, it’s just great fun!
CARE Challenge events require between two and five days’ volunteering per event. CARE covers travelling expenses and main meals are provided. If you are interested in volunteering on a CARE Challenge or would like to find out more, please do get in touch.
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