Last week was our annual ball for the charity and what an amazing night it was! Fundraising wise we passed a staggering £35000 which was totally unexpected and brought a few tears from the team! We are so overwhelmed by the generosity of people who believe in our mission of bettering the futures of the young people in our area.
What made it extra special for me as Volunteer Coordinator, was that we were able to invite 10 volunteers who had shown special dedication last year. Our volunteers are not usually ball-goers and it put a few out of their comfort zone to get dressed up and go to such a big event, much more used to mucking in with kid activities, but after they got over their doubts they all ended up having a fun night (thank goodness).
Our CEO, Rose, made volunteers the main focus of the evening and it was great they got to be celebrated in such a public way for their invaluable contribution to our charity. Without their help we couldn’t support so many children to realise their dreams. One of our volunteers, Sue, received our annual Special Recognition award for her contribution to our charity after giving over 1200 hours volunteering with us over the past three years! Sue is an ex-teacher whose passion to encourage children to be their best has never left her. She supports the School Programme primarily but also supports the HEYCU in the Holidays, CLA experiences, the SUMO experiences, supported fundraising events, and took part in the reading in schools pilot.
Sue regularly steps in last minute if needed by filling volunteering spots. The Leads feel happy and well supported when they know she will be on one of their trips.
We had so many people come forward to offer their support of her being recognised, here are a few examples of what people think of Sue:
Steve’s words (LEL)‘Volunteers often come and go due to changing circumstances, but Sue has been a constant for so many years. Her dedication, experience, and life skills are a tremendous asset to the Learning Experience Leads and to everyone she supports. Sue is not only reliable but also incredibly generous with her time, giving tirelessly to HEYCU as well as to other organisations across the region.
Her commitment and positive attitude make her a truly valued and respected member of the volunteer team. Sue certainly deserves recognition for her outstanding contribution and the difference she continues to make to so many people.’
Alan’s words (LEL) ‘A valued, reliable and honest volunteer, I love it when she is on one of my experiences at the KCOM learning zone as she always adds to the day with her anecdotes.’
Mark’s words (LEL): ‘I love having Sue come along with me as she needs no telling what to do. She is very pro active on experiences, and gets along with all the children and other members of staff.
She understands, after working for so long in education, what is required and when it is required without having to be told.
She always helps out the children, bringing lots of games along and showing tremendous patience, when showing the children how to play the games.
Sue is very knowledgeable and loves to pass on that to the children, when she comes along.
I love having Sue come along on London experiences, something she has done a lot of, helping out without being told.
She is also, not afraid to challenge when necessary and raise issues if required, something a lot of people do not like to do.
A tremendous asset to our charity.’
Shaun’s words (LEL) ‘Sue Clark has volunteered on lots of my trips over the years, and in this time has become more of a friend,
Sue is brilliant with the children and is always willing to get stuck in and help where needed, she is an absolute godsend, and trips are always so much easier when she volunteers.
Sue also constantly goes above and beyond for us, not just with trips but helping out at events and with other volunteers especially if they are new to the role. She is a real asset to the charity.’
Simon’s words (volunteer): ‘Sue is a remarkable lady, her energy and drive seem to be almost as unending as her love for volunteering.
She is nothing short of prolific, with so many organisations benefiting from the time she so generously gives.
Above all, it’s her approach to volunteering that always impresses me. She's an absolute natural and it doesn't seem to matter what the task in hand is, she simply throws herself right into it. Her teaching background is quite evident when she's on a visit with the Children's University, not in any school marm type way, but in her understanding of how to connect with youngsters from all backgrounds. She creates an air of positivity around them, helping them to see opportunity and encouraging them to go for it.
It's not just the children, she's the same with adults, her love of volunteering is infectious. She doesn't suffer fools gladly, but she's willing to give everyone a chance. And she's not a volunteer who sits back waiting to be given a task, Sue is quick to see what might need doing and then to get on with it.
She's a dynamo, with a wicked smile to match, an absolute joy to volunteer with.’
A well-deserved award for a well-loved person. Hurray for Sue and all the other heroes that give their time by volunteering with Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, we are so lucky to have you. And hurray that Sue has forgiven me for putting her in the spotlight – phew!
You can see Sue’s thoughts on her volunteering with us, along with those from other volunteers by visiting the ‘about us – our impact’ page of our website. If you would like to join our volunteering team, please go to the ‘get involved – volunteer with us’ page.
Nic
(Schools & Volunteer Coordinator)