Charities showcase volunteering opportunities

County charities will be selling Christmas goodies and hoping to attract new volunteers at Hereford’s big charity Christmas market on 18th November 2006.

Following last year’s success in Hereford’s High Town, this year is already oversubscribed with more than 25 stalls being booked and a waiting list in operation.  Groups represented include Breast Cancer Haven, Herefordshire Headway and Friends of Blackmarston School. 

Organised by the Hereford Volunteer Centre and sponsored by the Herefordshire Partnership, stallholders will be offering Christmas cards, local crafts, bric a brac, preserves and bird tables, all on sale for charity.

Father Christmas will be making a guest appearance giving out gifts to youngsters.

The highly successful Bertie Bear teddy bear depot will be receiving donations of unwanted teddies (and toiletries) for Romanian children.  Last year over 500 unwanted teddies found new homes, thanks to the scheme.

 “This event gives organisations a chance to get together, recruit volunteers, fundraise and increase awareness of the work that they do, “ explained Angela Legg, from the Hereford Volunteer Centre.

“We have been delighted with the response from charities so far and hope this wonderful event will be a great success again this year.”

“Becoming a volunteer is not just about being a good citizen, it’s about making new friends, enjoying new experiences, picking up fresh skills and having lots of fun too, said Claire McNally, Herefordshire Partnership community involvement officer.
 
“Volunteering encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in their community.

“Volunteers have an important role to play in meeting some of the targets identified in Herefordshire’s Community Strategy, which all the major service providers and voluntary organisations in the county have agreed to.”