Every role at Candlelighters helps us to bring light and hope to children and families affected by childhood cancer – and our volunteers are no exception.
We have lots of different volunteering roles helping out in many different areas across the charity. From welcoming families at our Family Support Centre, The Square, to supporting our fantastic fundraisers at challenge events, representing the charity as an ambassador and so much more – our volunteers are vital.
This week, 1st – 7th June, is Volunteers’ Week, a week long celebration of the incredible difference volunteers make so we want to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers! We’re so grateful to each and every volunteer, who gives their time to support us and make a difference, and we want to highlight the incredible difference you help to make.
Meet Kim and Aanyah, a couple of our fantastic volunteers…
Meet Kim
Kim is one of our dedicated Ambassadors, who has been volunteering with us for over 18 months now. Kim represents Candlelighters in her local community, inspiring support and helping to raise awareness of our work!
What things do you do in your volunteering role?
“I help with cheque presentations from people who have fundraised for Candlelighters, attending fundraising events, e.g. fun runs, summer fairs and giving short informal talks to local groups about the fantastic work that Candlelighters do.”
What inspired you to start volunteering with Candlelighters?
“Candlelighters supported my family through my grandson’s cancer journey when he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour at the age of two. The support was a lifeline at a very difficult time and is something that will never be forgotten. Being a Candlelighters Ambassador is my way of giving something back.”
What makes volunteering for Candlelighters special to you?
“I have the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Some of the families have been affected by childhood cancer but continue to do an amazing job with fundraising, I am always made very welcome, and the events are fun! I know that there is always someone from Candlelighters at the end of the phone if I’m unsure about something.”
What has been your most memorable moment volunteering with Candlelighters?
“All of the moments are special in their own way. Sometimes there is an opportunity to talk about how Candlelighters supported Lenny and my family, and this can really resonate with people who are going through similar experiences and provide a real-life example to people that would like to learn more about the work they do.”
How would you describe Candlelighters in three words?
“An organisation that brings light, hope and joy.”
Meet Aanyah
Aanyah has been volunteering at Candlelighters since October last year, giving her time as a Front of House volunteer. Being on Front of House means Aanyah is often welcoming families or visitors to The Square as well as supporting the Family Support Team with a variety of tasks.
What do you do in your volunteering role?
“Volunteering at Front of House means that what I do varies a lot. From welcoming families, to doing stock checks. I try and help with whatever I can and whenever I can.”
What inspired you to start volunteering with Candlelighters?
“I’m studying psychology at university and have always had a passion to help people and make a difference. I stumbled across Candlelighters and I am so glad I went through with my application.”
What makes volunteering for Candlelighters special to you?
“It has been an incredibly eye-opening experience for me. To see the work that goes on behind the scenes and be able to interact with the families. I have so much admiration for every person that works there and has come into The Square. I really value the time I have been able to spend at Candlelighters, and it has only inspired me further to want to help people in my future career.”
Tell us about your most memorable moment volunteering with Candlelighters?
“I think my most memorable moment was the Christmas party! It was so beautiful to see so many of the families and kids experiencing the Christmas spirit.”
How would you describe Candlelighters in three words?
“Hopeful. Uplifting. Inspiring.”
