A ‘FANTASTIC’ father-and-daughter volunteering team have been thanked by the life-saving charity which they support.
Emily Burgess, 14, is one of the youngest volunteers for The Air Ambulance Service’s charity.
The Rugby teenager gives up her free time at the town’s charity store alongside her dad Stuart, where she helps sort through donations and enjoys designing and dressing the window display.
The pair have been thanked by the charity during Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7), when charities and organisations celebrate the unpaid work done by millions of people across the UK.
Emily said: “I really look forward to volunteering each week and I feel really appreciated.
“I chose The Air Ambulance Service as it saves people’s lives and I think that’s important. Also, my dad works for the charity, so I knew all about their vital work from him.”
Stuart initially joined The Air Ambulance Service as a volunteer in January 2018, due to redundancy from a previous employment.
He said he was proud of the difference it made to people’s lives.
He said: “I was immediately made very welcome, and my contributions were truly valued. In March 2018 I applied for an advertised job, and then secured the permanent employed position.
“I’ve now been employed for over three years and I’m very proud to work for this amazing organisation.”
Despite now being a member of staff, Stuart has continued his volunteering at the Rugby shop every Saturday morning where he sorts through donations, steams clothes and prepares them for sale.
Emily was inspired by her dad to join in.
Stuart added: “My initial reaction was that she was too young to volunteer, shortly followed by a very ‘proud dad’ moment. Fortunately, the volunteering team were very supportive, and they organised for Emily to join me every Saturday on the basis that I could be responsible for her.
“I am very proud of Emily. Not only does she volunteer for a great cause, but she also enjoys it, and she’s just glad to be supporting the charity which saves so many lives across Warwickshire and further afield.”
Being a volunteer has taught Emily about the organisation and how a charity store operates, has helped her develop skills and confidence, and has highlighted the important role of a volunteer.
The charity’s head of volunteering Sue Haslett said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of The Air Ambulance Service’s charity. It could not operate its 24/7 frontline services and continue to save lives without the support of dedicated volunteers like Emily and Stuart.
“Our volunteers help in a variety of different ways across the charity, whether they’re raising funds out in the community, supporting in our offices or warehouse, delivering projects, or helping in our shops – every hour that they give makes a difference.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to each and every volunteer in Warwickshire for their ongoing support which helps us to save lives.
“We want to provide volunteers with a fulfilling and satisfying experience that comes with a range of benefits including new skills, increased confidence, friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference to people in need.”
Visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999 to find out more about volunteering for the charity.
