Volunteers across Ayrshire have a huge impact on people’s lives and deserve recognition. That’s the view of Brian Whittle MSP, who used a debate in Holyrood on Volunteers Week to highlight some of the good work being done by volunteers in Ayrshire.
The South Scotland Region MSP is a regular visitor at voluntary groups and charity organisations in the area and was keen to celebrate their achievements.
Speaking during the debate he said:
“Volunteering opens up opportunities to give time to help others, as do mentors who help people to develop life skills and businesses that volunteer time and resources to give young people experience of the workplace and let them develop skills that can serve them in future careers.”
Brian highlighted the work of the RNLI, whose Girvan Station he visited last year, where volunteers put themselves on call 24/7 to head to sea and risk their own lives to save others. He also mentioned other national charities such as the Samaritans and the British Heart Foundation before turning to more local groups.
Among those in line for praise were Doon Valley Boxing Club, where volunteer coach Sam Mullen and others have had a huge impact on the local community and the South Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Team, which the MSP is currently raising funds for by running the Roon the Toon 10K and in the Ayr Running Festival later in the year. The army of volunteers who have been helping to ready Whiteleys Retreat for families received a special mention as the MSP discussed the different forms volunteering can take; from simply being an extra pair of hands to using the same skills that earn you a living.
Whittle, who continues to work as a volunteer, coaching young athletes, went on to speak about the benefits of volunteering to the volunteers themselves.
Following the debate, Brian commented:
“So many charities and other organisations rely on the help of volunteers to survive. I’m always delighted to have an opportunity to shine a light on the work of volunteers throughout Ayrshire. Volunteers Week isn’t just a chance to celebrate current volunteers, but also to encourage other people to volunteer. Even if you only have an hour or two to spare a month, there’s almost certain to be someone around who’d be glad to have your help.”
