The joy of volunteering

On this special Volunteer Week, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers! Whether assisting us in the office, or giving talks to our schools or parishes, they all provide valuable interactions with the Catholic community here in Scotland. Without our volunteers, we couldn't serve our sisters and brothers living in some of the world’s poorest places.

We sat down for a chat with a few members of the SCIAF team who had initially volunteered with us, but then went on to secure permeant roles in the office. Check out all the lovely things they had to say.

Aisling Gallacher - Programme Officer

"I grew up supporting SCIAF; I vividly remember fundraising at primary school to support the work of SCIAF and was keen to volunteer to learn as much as I could about their work after I graduated from uni. I emailed on the off chance they were looking for volunteers and started in the office a couple of weeks later.

"I volunteered for one day a week in the Overseas department doing a variety of tasks from filing, research and answering letters. I really enjoyed being a volunteer for SCIAF and was incredibly fortunate that I ended up getting a job here."

Eleanor Edwardson - Digital Engagement Officer

"I was looking for some hands-on experience whilst studying my Masters in Marketing so reached out to SCIAF, who I’d admired at school, and they said yes! I looked forward to my Friday mornings helping out as best I could: scheduling social posts, typing up transcripts, condensing case studies, finding stats, and discussing weekend plans.

"My volunteering days at SCIAF gave me welcome time off from studying, and more importantly, taught me about life in Comms, opened my eyes to the injustices of the world, and gave me a chance to use my skills to make a difference.

"SCIAF inspired me to start living a greener lifestyle. Forever a fashion victim, I’ve changed my wasteful ways and instead indulge in the delight that is second-hand shopping. I now scour charity shops and the internet for pre-owned clothes and used lockdown to learn new skills in an attempt to make presents for my nearest and dearest."

Anthony McVeigh - Senior Individual Giving Officer

"I’m Scottish, I’m Catholic, I’ve always been interested in international development, in helping people and of course SCIAF’s work. So when I found myself with some spare time each week I thought I would put it to good use.

"I came to SCIAF with an open mind ready to help in anyway I could. Throughout my time as a volunteer I helped out in so many different ways. I helped out at events, I sent letters, I worked on fundraising projects, I cleaned out cupboards and painted walls. I did whatever was needed and I loved every minute of it.

"The team welcomed me and I always felt valued and respected. Everyday in the office I was so inspired by the work that was going on around me, the amazing staff and the other volunteers. I feel like I did my bit to help those in need."