CAFOD celebrates Volunteers' Week

Rachel finishes Oxford Marathon

CAFOD, the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales, has celebrated the 40th anniversary of Volunteers' Week - a special week to recognise and thank the UK's incredible volunteers for their dedication to local communities, the voluntary sector, and society - by paying tribute to the thousands of volunteers who support its work.

CAFOD volunteering in numbers

CAFOD boasts a robust volunteer network:

-Nearly 2,000 active volunteers across England and Wales
- Over 1,000 talks delivered in parishes annually
- Volunteers range in age from 12 to over 90 years old
- Nearly a third (29%) of Catholic schools have been visited by CAFOD volunteers this academic year.

A recent survey of volunteers found

- More than nine out ten (95%) of volunteers report feeling satisfied with their volunteering experience
- Almost all (99%) volunteers report a culture of respect and trust towards volunteers at CAFOD
- The average volunteer tenure at CAFOD is six years

Furthermore, 60% of CAFOD volunteers have taken on multiple roles, including coordinating parish activities, speaking at masses, visiting schools, leading assemblies and workshops, organising campaigns, and spearheading a variety of fundraising activities.

Deborah Purfield, Community Participation Coordinator for Northampton, expressed heartfelt thanks to CAFOD volunteers: "Thank you for your amazing commitment to volunteering with CAFOD. Your enthusiasm, skills, and talents - from fundraising to organising parish petitions and speaking at mass or to students at schools - have enabled us to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters worldwide, sharing stories and challenges often overlooked by the media.

"So much of what you do is often not seen by the wider public, but without it, we wouldn't be as successful. We love all that you do, and in 2024, CAFOD is celebrating you, our wonderful volunteers, as part of National Volunteers Week 2024."

Spotlight on Volunteers

Rachel, a CAFOD volunteer from Oxfordshire, balances a full-time job and raising her young daughter while actively participating in her parish. She runs a Brownie pack, serves as a school governor, and finds deep fulfilment in helping others. Rachel's involvement with CAFOD began through her church community, and she values the connections and support within the CAFOD network. Her faith and dedication to service drive her to make a difference in the lives of others. Rachel also ran the Oxford Marathon for CAFOD.

Queen Elizabeth Azieye, originally from Nigeria, relocated to the UK in 2011. She joined Our Lady of Lourdes in Coffee Hall and became active in the choir and community. Her journey with CAFOD began in 2021 when she was invited to speak on behalf of the organisation. Queen's faith and commitment to combating inequality and injustice motivate her to volunteer. She believes in the power of small acts of kindness and encourages her church community to help others, emphasising that such acts are ultimately for God.

This Volunteers' Week, CAFOD celebrates the incredible contributions of its volunteers, whose dedication and passion make a profound impact on communities both locally and globally.

For more information about volunteering with CAFOD, see: https://cafod.org.uk/volunteer