In advance of Volunteers’ Week 2020 (1 June) Stirling Council and SVE plan to recognise the efforts of volunteers across Stirling with a virtual display of gratitude.
Even before the current crisis, a generous 39% of people in Stirling volunteered with a range of organisations. This is more than 10% above Scotland’s national average.
Close to 800 volunteers give their time
In the last two months, COVID-19 has restricted life for us all, with many Shielded and vulnerable people in isolation and unable to carry out essential day-to-day tasks. Communities across the Stirling Council area have risen to this unprecedented challenge with nearly 800 individual volunteers registering with the Council to give their time alongside a network of local groups to help protect the vulnerable.
Dropping off shopping, picking up prescriptions, providing a warm and comforting voice on the end of the phone – even sometimes walking the dog, Stirling residents have gone above and beyond to make sure that their neighbours have life’s essentials, as well as the reassurance that they’re not alone.
Join a virtual thank you to our volunteers
National Volunteers’ Week starts on 1 June 2020 and Stirling Council and Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise are determined mark the week with a message of inclusion, and to mark their gratitude to volunteers who carry out these life affirming roles.
Communities and individuals are invited to join in a virtual ‘thank you’ to volunteers across the full Council area by recording messages of thanks and submitting them to be shared on social media.
Creating and fostering community pride
Councillor Chris Kane, convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, said: ‘Volunteering is a powerful and practical way we can all create and foster community pride. Volunteers are always there when we need them, and our communities are stronger, brighter and more resilient because of them.
“In this current crisis, volunteering makes us feel empowered to help in the fight against an unseen enemy. Volunteering invigorates the soul. Volunteers never ask for thanks but it is right that we recognise them during volunteer week, because without volunteers, our communities and our lives would be much diminished.”
Councillor Maureen Bennison, vice convener added: “I am so proud of all those who volunteer. Year in and year out volunteers help create the glue that keeps our communities together.
"Working with all our third sector colleagues has never been more vital than now, and I want to recognise their contribution and say a huge thank you to all the inspirational volunteers.”
A heartfelt thank you
Natalie Masterson, Chief Executive at Stirlingshire Voluntary, said “Volunteers contribute their energy and passion to helping others, this is true yearlong, but it has never been more evident than in the community response to the pandemic. All volunteers deserve our heartfelt thanks for their community spirit and dedication. As we look to the future we hope that volunteering will continue in even greater numbers helping communities to recover and renew.”
To share a short “thank you” to volunteers, record a message giving name, who is being thanked and the difference this volunteer has made to you. For best results, record in landscape mode, close to a window or light source, and avoid background noise.
Email to volunteers@stirling.gov.uk or post videos on Twitter or Facebook during Volunteers Week tagging them with #VolunteersWeekScot or #stirlingvolunteer (making sure the post is set to “public” on Facebook so it can be shared).