Young volunteer makes time to support local hospice
17-year-old Georgia Malkin makes a valuable contribution to the community by taking time to volunteer at Pilgrims Hospices.
Georgia, who lives in Folkestone and is studying for A-levels at Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury, supports in the hospice reception welcoming visitors, along with taking supporter donations and selling merchandise.
She also supports at fundraising events, particularly the in memory events such as Trees of Love.
I’m very grateful for the opportunities Pilgrims has given me. The helpful insights into handling money, and getting an understanding of retail, customers and numerous other opportunities will be really useful as I move forward in education and eventually into employment. It’s been an important part of building my confidence.Georgia
Georgia said: “My mother is a volunteer at the Canterbury hospice, therefore I have an insight into the amazing care that Pilgrims provide within the community. The work Pilgrims do is so valuable and I’m very proud to be part of the volunteer team.
“I hope by volunteering as a young person, I help to dispel the stigma involving death and hospices. My experiences have only been positive, the charity provides the most caring and reassuring environment for patients, their families and friends at a time when they need it most.”
She added: “I knew a fair bit about what to expect as a volunteer from my visits to the hospice with my mother and information I’d gathered from the Pilgrims website.
“My thoughts on Pilgrims’ care are that it’s impeccable, and what the hospice has achieved is astounding. They have an amazing team who provide a service by which difficult situations are made more manageable for everyone concerned.
“I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer role; in a slightly selfish way, I’m very grateful for the opportunities Pilgrims has given me. The helpful insights into handling money, and getting an understanding of retail, customers and numerous other opportunities will be really useful as I move forward in education and eventually into employment. It’s been an important part of building my confidence; they have shared a window on how the charity supports so many patients and families within our community.”
Along with her volunteering, Georgia is also a fundraising champion. Last year she took part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme with schoolfriends, raising a total of around £1,000 for hospice care. As part of the campaign she courageously shaved her head, raising £500 for Pilgrims. The NCS team volunteered at the hospice on a variety of projects, undertook fundraising bucket collections and held an 8-hour dance-a-thon, achieving this amazing contribution.
Inspired to become a Pilgrims’ volunteer?
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer and look out for more stories and information throughout Volunteers’ Week!
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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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