I have volunteered for a few organisations in my 34 years of life.
I became involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust when I was about 22 thanks to my Uncle. This was probably my first input into organising a proper social event. We, at the time, were a small committee of five, and put together two consecutive annual balls firstly in Huddersfield and then at the Royal Amories in Leeds.
Both were such amazing experiences.
It was thanks to my link with the charity that I, along with my two friends Emma and Kirsty, did a sky dive to try and raise some money. We sat in the little room for around four hours waiting for the weather to clear which only caused my dad and Kirsty (who sadly I was sharing the little plane with) to go greener as the minutes passed.
But it was a fabulous experience. I think we raised close to a £1000 between the three of us.
Totally worth the all in one white suit they cruelly made me wear.
And although the hills were tough I look back at the Race for Life I did in Leedswith the fondest of memories.
Anyone who knows me knows that wearing pink fairy wings and a tutu makes me very happy. Happy enough to run 5km uphill but equally in the knowledge I am raising money for a good cause.
When I first moved to Bangkok I felt at an utter loss with my days.
After a couple of months I found out about an organisation called PAWS thanks to my friend Jess. I sent an email and two days later I was helping out with sick cats, socialising kittens and giving much needed attention to adult cats. I loved my time there.
PAWS is run by the amazing Amy Barron. I consider myself so lucky to be her friend. Watch this video for more information.
I want to do and get involved with so much more in Bangkok. Like Father Joe at The Mercy Centre. This is something I really want to become involved with when I head back.
I am aware there are lots of charities in England, but I became suspicious thanks to many requiring volunteers/national minimum wage staff to knock on doors or try to get people to sign up for an annual contribution of X amount each month. I remember saying on one such occasion to a volunteer/employee that I would happily give a one off donation but he told me that his boss wouldn’t be happy with anything less than an annual thing.
That didn’t really shout to me that every little helps and that in fact charity had become a business.
It left a bad taste in my mouth.
This week I discovered that I can be wrong.
It’s not often that I am happy to admit that I am wrong, but on this occasion I am happy to do so.
I found out this week that companies like Asda, Pret A Manger, Costa, Sainsburys and Costco to name but a few, supply free food to the homeless, hostel users or families struggling, to ensure they all receive a good daily meal.
And once a week companies like JD Sports will provide free trainers, jeans, socks, jackets and tops.
I have been through a pretty rough time this last two years.
In comparison to some, what I have been through is nothing, but to me it has been everything.
But regardless I am very grateful to my friends and family who have managed (most of the time) to keep my head and shoulders mentally and physically above water.
It makes me happy to know for those who might not have had the support I have, that help still happens for those who need it.
Whether cat or girl.
Human or animal.
