A WOMAN from Reading has shared her story as part of Volunteers’ Week 2024.
Rosemary Croft, a former GP, was inspired to volunteer for Christian Aid 24 years ago.
It comes as organisations are marking the week-long event by sharing tales of their volunteers to help inspire others to take up roles.
Ms Croft explained that she first heard of the organisation when she was young, when she was delivering Christian Aid envelopes with her mother in Upminster.
“I later had the privilege of working in Bangladesh as a doctor with another relief
agency.
“I saw what poverty does and was able to visit a Christian Aid project where families were given an opportunity to become much more financially secure.
She explained: “I’m currently a member of St John & St Stephen’s Church in Reading and we’ve
always done a fundraiser for Christian Aid which this year was a collection on Reading Station.
“Because few people carry cash these days, we used an app and had signs that
said ‘Tap here to give a £3 donation to Christian Aid’.
“We went for a week every morning from 8-9am when there are hundreds of people going into London, or coming into Reading to work.
“I loved seeing the same people each morning – there was one man in a pin-striped suit who had a fantastic smile and ‘tapped’ every single morning.”
“I’d love to encourage anyone to find out more about Christian Aid and what
they do around the world, and then maybe to start volunteering. I really
appreciate the work of Christian Aid to help those suffering and in need – and I
feel it’s really important to try to do something to help.”
Christian Aid is celebrating 40 years of Volunteers’ Week this year, and is gearing up to mark an anniversary of its own; next year will be its 80th in operation.
The charity was set up in the wake of World War II to provide aid for refugees in Europe.
Senior Volunteering Officer Ian Hind said supporters are the key part of the organisation.
“Without their unwavering dedication and commitment, we simply couldn’t make the impact we do.
“We invite everyone to join us in this fight against poverty and stand with us as we make a difference.
“We have all kinds of roles from fundraising to helping at festivals and we’d be delighted to have more people sign up and be a part of something truly inspiring.”
