Good Company is a local charity that grew out of Epsom and Ewell Foodbank, founded 12 years ago by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.
We very much rely on our band of around 250 volunteers who help out in many different ways; people from all walks of life involved at all levels. It’s an amazing testament of the community working together; local people, churches, agencies, businesses and schools all doing their part.
This Volunteers Week we want to celebrate the amazing contribution that volunteers make to our mission to create a poverty-free community. Over the course of a week we estimate volunteers contribute 133 hours of their time to running food bank sessions. Yet apart from the time they willingly give, we wanted to emphasise their motivation to serve. So, we asked our food bank volunteers why they volunteer and this is what they said:
“The appreciation shown by people who are forced to use the food bank through no fault of their own, makes it so worthwhile and such a rewarding experience.”
“Volunteering at the local food bank reminds me how very lucky I am and how important it is to help those less fortunate”
“Volunteering at the food bank is both rewarding and enjoyable. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among our team and knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of those in need is very fulfilling.”
“Such a good cause, we all need to do out bit and every little helps.”
“I enjoy talking to people and I wanted to make a visit to the Foodbank a pleasant experience.”
“People working together, to help the wider community, is a great thing to be part of.”
Their words get to the heart of what volunteering is about: giving to others. Our recent Foodbank Impact report shows how the difference this makes in the lives of those who need to use the food bank:
“I was treated kindly and courteously and feel listened to and empowered.”
“Always polite, helpful, and friendly. The volunteers put me at ease and help where they can.”
“I was shown so much kindness, was able to keep my dignity. I feel I have a chance of making it through these rough times. So grateful. thank you for all your help :)”
Such powerful testimonies about the power of kindness and compassion. We know that many, many others express similar sentiments about volunteers at Epsom Pantry and Epsom and Ewell Refugee network too.
So we say a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers. As someone said, you vote in elections but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.
