A big thank you to our IT and Data Protection Manager, Chris Jarvis, for #GivingSomethingBack by taking part in our latest Volunteer Day ‘Memory Walk’ organised by the Alzheimer’s Society charity at Wollaton Park in Nottingham!
Fundraising on a chilly Saturday morning…
At Nottinghamshire YMCA, we believe that only by connecting with other charitable organisations can we really tackle our society’s most important issues.
This fundraising event, which took place at 8am on the chilly morning of Saturday 9 September, awarded charity staff the chance to get more involved with their community by supporting participants along the route and assisting with the stalls.
Participants sported as much “Alzheimer’s Blue” as possible to raise awareness of this condition, including everything from blue hair and lipstick to unicorn tiaras and ballerina tutus.
“The atmosphere was brilliant,” said Chris, who eagarly returned to help out at this event after last year’s success. “Everyone was energetic and joyful whilst clearly focussed not only on bringing attention to Alzheimer’s disease, but determined to have a great time whilst raising money to help battle and beat it.”
‘An event truly for everyone’
“After wandering past the deer at Wollaton Park at 8am on a cold Saturday (my ‘lie-in’ day!), I was dubbed a ‘Route Marshall’ on the event’s lucky ‘Route Point 13’ trail,” Chris explained. “I was paired up with a very caring lady called Sophie, who has a real understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease can impact a family. We headed out and sprung into action – complimentary cup of tea and buttie in hand!
“Our job was to answer questions, guide participants in the correct direction (Wollaton Park is a big place!) and encourage people on their way. I can definitely say that Sophie and I received as much encouragement from the participants as we gave out!
“This event was truly for everybody. It was fantastic to see the smiling and cheering hundreds strolling, ambling, jogging, meandering, limping (one lady was in plaster and on crutches!) and wheel-chairing past for this amazing cause.
“As the last walkers passed each Route Point, Marshalls collected up the signs so we all took part in the route ourselves, moving as one happy and exuberant band of Hi-Vis festooned participants!
‘A humbling experience’
“We finished at the Start/Finish line (a good place to finish!) and were told to take a medal. Even though we all originally politely declined, the organisers kindly insisted that we deserved one as we had also walked the route ourselves! We accepted (and proudly wore) our medals as we surrendered our equipment, hugged, said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. What a fabulous Saturday morning!
“I can honestly say that my second year of helping at this event really can be summed up as enjoyable, fun and rewarding in equal measure but, above these and most of all, it was a very humbling experience.
“Huge ‘thank you’s must go to the organisers (as it was incredibly well done), my route companion Sophie for being a joy to be around and Nottinghamshire YMCA for facilitating staff to contribute to this excellent event. Most importantly, thanks to the participants – the money raised is so important to help those struggling with this challenging condition.
“Come and join me next year for a few hours of helping in our communities – and having a great time doing it!”
WELL DONE! 😀
#GivingSomethingBack
This is just one of the many great Workplace Benefits we offer staff at Nottinghamshire YMCA. Every contracted member of staff at Nottinghamshire YMCA receives one day per year (with normal pay) to volunteer on one of our charity #GivingSomethingBack Volunteer Days.
We have received amazing feedback from everyone who has enjoyed taking part in previous events – whether litter-picking at Balderton Lake, decorating and gardening at the ICC, wrapping Christmas presents or serving food at the Malt Cross.
Apply for our current vacancies online and join our team now!