The
volunteer workforce is huge, often underappreciated, but absolutely essential.
I
recently read a Facebook post which said that voluntary workers aren't paid
because the work they do is priceless, and I think that's a good way of summing
it up.
As
we're well aware, the recent few years have been incredibly tough - indeed they
still are for many people.
The
country may be coming out of recession, but with wages having not increased for
most, the 'good times' seem a very long way off.
The
importance of foodbanks underlines this fact.
Firstly,
let me say thank goodness that they exist - they do a terrific job.
But
it also greatly saddens me that they are needed by so many people.
A
so-called major world economy like ours still has people who have so little
money that they need to use foodbanks to feed their families.
Perhaps
something for expense-scandal MPs, tax-minimising celebrities and
millionaire-bonus bankers to think about?
But
on a more cheerful note, I read a story a local foodbank shared on their
Facebook page - I'm sure they won't mind me sharing it with you.
The
volunteers had gone to a Church in the town to collect their weekly donations.
There
they were given some bags donated by an elderly parishioner. It transpired that she'd had a small win
playing bingo, and had bought extra for the foodbank with her winnings.
Apparently,
she did that each time she won some money.
I
thought it was truly heartwarming that she shared her good fortune with
others.
Being
an elderly pensioner, she probably didn't have much, but what she had she was
willing to share.
A
story which goes to help restore my faith in humanity - a faith which I have to
admit takes a battering every time I hear about the aforementioned MPs, celebs,
bankers etc.
So
can I take this opportunity to say thank you to all the voluntary workers out
there, and the people who donate their time and/or money to helping those in
need - where would we be without people like you?
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