Thank you speech for volunteers NVW 2013

"People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel." Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite

Volunteers share their joy and laughter and sometimes shed a tear.  They bring a kind word, a warm heart and empathy for a person who is unwell or lonely or scared.  They are dedicated, compassionate and willingly give their time to help others.

What volunteers receive in turn is a sense of achievement and satisfaction of being able to help someone in need.  They gain experience in communicating with people. They develop new friendships amongst the other volunteers and they grow in confidence.

I have seen powerful personal journeys where people have flourished as their confidence has grown through their volunteering.  The roles they perform, the people they meet, the time and compassion given and through all of this, they have achieved great personal growth.

Thank you for allowing me, in some small way, to be a part of that amazing journey.

Thank You Speeches to Volunteers

As we approach National Volunteer Week my thoughts turn to volunteers and the incredible contribution that they make to society.  I was  inspired to write the following speech to volunteers.





A quote which really resonates with me is “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away”.

As I look around the room I see a sea of faces.  Each face tells a story; so many faces, so many stories.  You come from many different backgrounds.  You have many different life experiences and yet you all have at least one thing in common, your willingness to give your time to help others.  

I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion for your fellow human beings.  It is all of you who so generously give your time, your warmth, your humour and your caring.  It is all of you, doing what you do, who take my breath away.  Thank you for volunteering.