During this year’s Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1-7 June 2022, we are celebrating the difference volunteers make to this organisation and thanking them for all their time and dedication.
We run many projects across the Groundwork North Wales Group (Inc Wild Ground and Refurbs) that improve local green spaces, improve well-being, reduce waste, and protect the natural environment. We are grateful to have over thirty-five active volunteers who work hard to make a difference to the environment, to their community, and to help other people lead healthier, happier lives.
Here are 2 examples of volunteers who go above and beyond to support the Groundwork North Wales Group, helping to make lasting change in communities across North Wales.
Eddie Millar is now retired and comes from near St Asaph; he volunteers for Wild Ground at Trefnant nature reserve never missing a single session. Eddies’ dedication to nature and wildlife includes species surveying, creating wildflower meadows, clearing ponds, cutting trees as well as lots of practical conservation tasks.
Eddie said, “Outdoor practical volunteering is a wonderful experience. I get to keep fit, meet people get lots of fresh air and help nature and wildlife.”
Tony from Mancot in Flintshire is also a dedicated volunteer for Groundwork North Wales, Refurbs and Pedal Power, giving time and effort to helping the environment and supporting people to enjoy healthy cycling activities.
Tony is an expert at bike repairs and since volunteering has gained his Cytec qualification in bike maintenance. He gives his time to refurbishing and repairing bikes at Refurbs making them ready for the road again and ensuring they did not go to landfill.
He also volunteers at Pedal Power a charity supported by Groundwork North Wales that offers all ability cycling and accessible exercise for people with disabilities and those in poor health. At Pedal Power he acts as bike mechanic, customer service supporter and all-round bike supporter. The service would be lost without his hard work.
Tony said, “Volunteering is a wonderful experience for me, and I now volunteer around 4 days each week. I really enjoy the practical side of bike repairs but also, I love meeting new people and helping them.”
Lorna Crawshaw, Head of Programmes and Partnerships for the group said, “We would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers for their commitment in supporting us. Our work helps to create better neighbourhoods, conserve, and increase support for the natural environment, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, support people living on low incomes to affordably furnish their homes, build skills and job prospects and to live and work in a greener way.”
“Much of the work we do would not be achieved or sustained without the help of our wonderful volunteers who go above and beyond to support our organisation. “