What OneFamily volunteers got up to in August
Volunteering is an important part of the culture at OneFamily.
August was a busy month with staff members choosing to use their volunteering days to garden, paint and to maintain the grounds of an animal centre. They even raised some money while they were at it!
Painting at Team Domenica
One of our official charity partners - Team Domenica - had help this month from an enthusiastic team of painters from OneFamily.
Our volunteers helped to paint the centre, receiving high praise for their straight lines! Team Domenica rewarded the team with breakfast and lunch from their cafe, and a special cupcake for Suzanna who chose to spend her birthday helping.
Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity. Its mission is to help people with learning disabilities find their career potential, to create employment opportunities and remove barriers to work in local communities.
By painting and refreshing the centre, the team helped the charity to make it more inviting for the young people it supports.
"Please pass on my thanks again for helping," said Greg Van Hesswijk, head of fundraising at Team Domenica. "Everyone is talking about how much nicer it is and how it feels like a refresh for the academic year ahead. We really appreciate it."
Maintaining the grounds at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare benefited from two teams of OneFamily volunteers this month.
Both teams worked with the grounds maintenance staff helping to keep the grounds tidy and safe for visitors to the centre. They were relaxed for days afterwards after spending a morning pruning lavender, which they bunched and took to the on-site shop to help raise funds for the centre's upkeep.
In a more physically demanding part of the day, the volunteers were handed spades and set to work removing old stumps that were a potential trip hazard for any visitors straying from the main path.
Raystede has been caring for animals in need for 70 years. The charity works hard to alleviate animal cruelty, and to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and provide sanctuary for animals in need. It helps more than 1,200 vulnerable animals each year, from a diverse range of species.
David, pictured below, told us: "The best bit of the day for me was being able to help collect and bundle all the lavender before the storms and rain came. Raystede wouldn't been able to sell them to raise funds in their charity shop on site if they'd got wet.
"Also seeing Snoopy the rabbit," he added.
Gardening at Stanmer Community Garden
"The best part of my day was having a break from my computer screen!" said Lucy Donaldson from our customer services team.
She and seven colleagues spent a day volunteering with Stanmer Community Garden Group this month, where they helped with the management of the plot.
The garden is a fantastic resource for vulnerable adults. Group members enjoy the holistic benefits of being in a countryside setting, learn new skills and socialise with others.
Harriet, Amy, Terry, Hannah, Mary, Daniel and James joined Lucy in giving their time to dig and rake vegetable beds, build poly tunnels and generally get stuck in. The group were so pleased with their contribution that they rewarded Amy, a keen cook, with a bunch of chard which she turned into ‘wilted chard in spiced coconut sauce with smoked haddock’.
Working at OneFamily
If our altruistic vibe appeals to you, take a look at our careers page to see if we have an open role that's right for you.
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