Volunteers from across Moray are being celebrated this week for the remarkable difference they make in their communities.
As part of Volunteers Week, running from 2 to 8 June, Moray Council is shining a spotlight on the many individuals who freely give their time to help others.
Volunteers Week is a national celebration of the millions of people across the UK who give back through volunteering, and a chance to inspire others to get involved.
In Moray, hundreds of people volunteer in all sorts of roles, from supporting young people to befriending those who are isolated, or helping with literacy and numeracy.
Darwin Milne is one such volunteer, sharing his time with the help of his Shih Tzu, Broxy, who is a therapet.
Darwin said:
“Volunteering has been life-changing for me.
“I was a lorry driver until an accident left me in a wheelchair.
“That completely changed my life.
“Volunteering has given me freedom again.
“It lets me get out and meet people, and I can see the difference it makes to others as well.
“Broxy loves meeting new people, and you can really see how much of an impact he has, no matter what age they are.
“If anyone is thinking about volunteering with Moray Council, I would say go for it.
“Even giving a little of your time each week can make a huge difference.”
Sisters Isla and Cara Coull volunteer as coaches through Moray’s Active Schools programme.
Isla said:
“We really enjoy volunteering.
“It has changed our lives and even led to paid jobs.
“We now work for Active Schools, coaching young people, and that shows where volunteering can lead.
Cara added:
“Working with young people and seeing them grow, not just in sport but as individuals, has been amazing.
“I could not recommend volunteering enough.
“It has been life-changing for both of us.”
Michael McClafferty volunteers with the Moray Gaelic Group.
He said:
“Every language has its soul, and that is especially true of Gaelic here.
“As volunteers, we are grateful to everyone who supports the revival of Gaelic and the growing interest in the language and culture.
“It brings great pleasure to see this flourishing.”
Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson paid tribute to all those who give their time to help others.
She said:
“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities.
“Their generosity, time and dedication have a huge impact across Moray.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who volunteers.
“The difference you make in people’s lives is truly inspiring.”
