Chris’s story
Chris has been volunteering for us regularly since 2015, and is considered a key part of the team. Here is her volunteering story.
I have really enjoyed volunteering my time to support the Fundraising team at Challengers, so much so that I’ve been doing it for ten years now!
I have always been office-based and have done many different jobs over the years. When I first started, I helped with counting cash from collection boxes and addressing envelopes, as well as conducting online research.
Although research has been my main interest, over the years I’ve developed a love of databases, so this has become my “thing”. I now often spend my time in the office helping to update the charity’s supporter database and creating Gift Aid claim forms.
I have volunteered for various charities over the years and decided that once I’d retired, I would like to support Challengers and everything they do for disabled children and young people.
My husband and I live locally – only 10 minutes’ walk from the Guildford Playcentre – and I have been a proud supporter of the charity’s incredible work for over 40 years.
Volunteering makes me feel great. I love coming into the office and being part of the team – they are a very special group of people and make me feel very welcome.
Even at my age I love to learn and to keep up with new technology. The “youngsters” in the office are very patient with me and are always happy to help.
My favourite memories from my time here are the many summer events outside in the field, including a visit for the children from a petting farm or the time Princess Beatrice came to visit Challengers in 2019. More recently, Lenny Henry’s red fur suit fetching £2,000 at auction and the surprise gifts and card given to me to celebrate my 10 years of volunteering!
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering volunteering, it’s to just do it! There’s something for everyone to help with somewhere at Challengers, and they really are the most brilliant team to work with.
Could you spare a few hours to volunteer for Challengers?
Take a look at our volunteering page to see how you can get involved.