Betty helps Pilgrims Hospices Lottery fund local hospice care
90-year-old Betty Rye from Cheriton has been a volunteer lottery collector for 17 years, helping Pilgrims Hospices Lottery to raise vital funds for local palliative care.
Back in 2002, Betty was asked if she’d like to volunteer for Pilgrims as a lottery collector in the building where she lives. She took to the role immediately, and it fits in perfectly with the sociable lifestyle she enjoys with fellow residents.
She said: “It’s a brilliant way to get involved with a great cause. My brother had cancer so I thought Pilgrims was a good charity, and some of my friends have personal connections, too. I’m happy we’re doing this for Pilgrims.”
It’s a brilliant way to get involved with a great cause. My brother had cancer so I thought Pilgrims was a good charity, and some of my friends have personal connections, too. I’m happy we’re doing this for Pilgrims.Betty
Betty plays Pilgrims Hospices Lottery every week and there is also a collection tin in the building. Over the years, Betty and her fellow residents have raised over £2,000 in the tins alone, plus much more through lottery collections. Betty takes the tin to a coffee morning every Wednesday and people fill it up with spare change. Every little makes a big difference.
She added: “I enjoy having a chat with everyone as I collect, and also seeing Wendy from Pilgrims who comes to collect the money from me.
“It’s really nice, and as a group we have the pleasure of knowing that our money is going to a very worthy cause.”
Inspired to become a Pilgrims’ volunteer?
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Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
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