2016 Steel City News November

Voluntary Action Achievement Awards On the 18th November I was lucky enough to be a finalist in the Volunatry Action Rotherham Community Achievement Awards at the Carlton Park, Rotherham.

The award evening was an brilliant insight into the amazing work done by individuals in the community. Prior to JCI I rarely did volunteering as, if I’m honest, I didn’t see the point.

The same view point as many people see volunteering. My view has since changed thanks to be a member of JCI and I’ve been able to work with some of my favourite chairities such as the RSPCA Sheffield, the MSPCA and the Cathedral Archer Project. Seeing the impact that is achieved simply through giving up your time is inspiring and truly does give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

The awards also allowed me to hear stories from the other nominees and I was moved by the impact these people have strived to make and to see their passion for helping out others. I also got to see projects that are making an impact to the borough of Rotherham and it’s brilliant to see these positive changes happening against the backlash that has happened in recent times. There are truly some amazing projects and people in Yorkshire. One nominee has been volunteering for more than 60 years! That it a commitment for positive change if I ever saw one. If more people were like him the world would be a much nicer place. But what if we all donated a couple hours a month?

Thanks to JCI and charitable organisations we are able to make a difference in our communtiies. We don’t have to simply settle with the bad stories or the bad situations. e can help out, lend a hand and be that positive change we want to see. All it takes is one decision. One choice.

Thanks to volunteers all over the country homeless people have a place to go every day, animals in need have a place to call home until a loving family come and run aways have a place to call refuge.

Ryan Pilkington