Charity Hosts Aberdeen Celebration Event to Say ‘Thank You’ to Local Volunteers 09 March 2023 Scotland’s leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland held its first ever Volunteer Appreciation Event on Wednesday 1st March to say thank you to all the fantastic people across the region who volunteer for the charity. Over 40 people attended the day-long event in person, which took place at Aberdeen Science Centre, with others joining in via video link from other locations including Forres Town Hall and at home across the North of Scotland. The charity’s 1632 volunteers and 4600 micro volunteers bring around £2m of value to the organisation, allowing it to support the one in five people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions across Scotland. We wanted to do something special to recognise the incredible contribution to the charity and the amazing difference our volunteers make to people’s lives. Volunteers were welcomed by stroke survivor and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland volunteer and Trustee, Douglas Sewell, and were thanked by members of the senior team at the charity, who highlighted the impact the volunteers have made across retail, fundraising, and services. Volunteers were also treated to refreshments and took part in a fun fitness session and quiz. Volunteers from across the region gathered together to celebrate the difference they’re making! Speaking in her presentation to volunteers, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Chief Executive, Jane-Claire Judson, said: “We wanted to do something special to recognise the incredible contribution to the charity and the amazing difference our volunteers make to people’s lives. “After a challenging couple of years, it’s been wonderful to be able to bring people together to show our appreciation for the time, skills, commitment and dedication our volunteers give to help make sure there’s no life half lived in Scotland. “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s volunteering with our Kindness Service to make sure people don’t feel isolated and alone, or keeping our fabulous stores running, our volunteers are committed to making sure our community services and peer groups are supporting people. They go above and beyond at our events across the country and provide valuable input on our internal working groups. “Without them, we simply couldn’t reach the thousands of people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions across Scotland.” Martha Dalgano a volunteer Kindness Caller from Keith said: “During Covid I was isolating so it’s a bit out of my comfort zone to come along to something like this today, but it’s been great to speak to lots of people.” Suzanne Geddies a shop volunteer in our Cults shop said: “When I visited the Cults shop, I was offered the opportunity to volunteer and I took it! We have so much fun and I love the team that I work with. It’s great to meet people from the other shops today but Cults is the best!’ The volunteers caught up over a cuppa and a quiz! Find out more about volunteering with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. View all the amazing photos from the event in Aberdeen.