Lorna Wilcox only started volunteering at Willingdon Trees Commmunity Centre just over a year ago, but now she simply can’t imagine not being a volunteer!
Why did you want to volunteer?
Having decided upon a career change, Lorna found a job she knew she’d love, but with no real office experience she was unsure. Along came Lisa Playford, her neighbour, who suggested that Lorna do some voluntary administration and reception work at Willingdon Trees Community Centre. So Lorna did. And not only did she get the part-time job she wanted, she hasn’t looked back since!
What do you do at Willingdon Trees Community Centre?
Lorna explained: “I help out with administration, reception, community events and decorating. And as I’m a face-painter, I do voluntary face-painting, too.”
As if that’s not enough, Lorna is also on the PTA of a local school and Chair of the Committee at a local pre-school!
What have you got from volunteering?
“The Centre is such a lovely, bustling, busy environment – I love it! It’s my little escape from the stresses and strains of ordinary life. It’s a happy place. We have a laugh and a giggle while we ‘work’ … and I just really enjoy being there,” says Lorna. She added that she has also made lots of great friends and loves chatting with the people who come to the groups and meetings because they are “always so happy to see you.”
What next?
Lorna says she will continue volunteering, recommends it wholeheartedly and points out that she actually feels really lucky to be able to give something back to the community. You can hear the truth in her voice when she says: “Nowadays, it’s such a rare occurrence to find such a positive, friendly, giving environment that I just have to go along every Tuesday morning!”
