Volunteering Heroes - Martha
As part of National Volunteers week, we've been chatting to some of our volunteers to find out why they decided to volunteer and what they love about volunteering with AAM.
We'd also like to take this chance to say a huge AAM thank you to all our volunteers past and present. You've all made such a difference to AAM and we wouldn't be the organisation we are today without you. Thank you!
Martha is one of our volunteers who helps out with our Hands & Voices choir. Here's what she told us about volunteering at AAM:
What motivated you to volunteer with AAM?
I joined H&V Choir as a volunteer after watching a performance the choir did at St John's Uni. The H&V choir were so enthusiastic and sounded fantastic. I wanted to be part of that buzz.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with us?
I'd recommend volunteering with the H&V choir. The staff, choir members and other volunteers are always so welcoming. I enjoy helping out at gigs and at the weekly practices. Now that I've retired, the H&V Choir also lets me stay in touch with the learning disabled community. Before retiring I'd taught learning disabled children for 30 years and worked with a charity which supported adults with learning disabilities for three years.
Have you got a favourite moment from your time volunteering?
My favourite times with the choir are the gigs, especially busking in York City Centre at Christmas. The shoppers join in and we make everyone smile!
What do you feel you've gained out of volunteering with us?
Besides being fun, the choir lets me feel I'm giving something back to the community and it makes me feel useful.