For National Volunteering Week, we are showcasing our work, what we get up to here in the Sligo Volunteer Centre, and how we can help people. We continue our series of stories from volunteers and non-profits who have used our service and this one comes from Patricia Blee. Here is her story:
My name is Patricia Blee and I volunteer with Big Brother Big Sister (https://www.foroige.ie/our-work/big-brother-big-sister, BBBS) as part of the CRIB, Foróige Sligo. I was matched with a young person to meet up (online for lockdown and in-person following guidelines) once a week and to help them with any issues I can.
What made you consider volunteering?
I study Social Care Practice in Sligo IT and I was always interested in working with young people. I wanted to do something that would be valuable and help make a difference.
Tell us an interesting/surprising thing that came out of your volunteering journey?
While volunteering, I found a love for helping people and mainly youth. It’s helped me decide on my future goals while still being paired with my Young Person/My Little.
I wanted to do something that would be valuable and help make a difference.
Patricia Blee
What did you gain from volunteering?
I gained a real appreciation for those who volunteer for years. I also gained valuable experience that I can use for life.
How did Sligo Volunteer Centre help you?
The Volunteer Centre helped me find the best fit for me.
Did you attend any online sessions with Sligo Volunteer Centre?
I didn’t but received training with Foróige for BBBS which was very insightful.
Would you recommend volunteering to a friend? If so, why.
I would definitely recommend volunteering to a friend, as I found it one of the most valuable insightful things I have experienced. Not only are you giving back to society and helping someone that needs some form of help, you gain a friend, you gain a brilliant feeling that cannot be put into words.
