Volunteer Julie's story

“….. I only popped into the foodbank to drop off some carrier bags ….”

That’s how we met Julie, one of our volunteers at Sketty Foodbank.

When we eventually got to know her better, we realised that she was one of life’s “gems” - someone who always gave more to the local community than she received or had time for.

Julie was a Senior Civil Servant up until her retirement 3 years ago. When her children were youngsters, as well as working full time, she volunteered as a governor at the local school and then as a governor at community level. She says she did this as she saw herself as someone who had a lot to give and could share her professional experience “… for the good of all children…”

In January 2024 she stepped into Sketty Foodbank to donate some carrier bags and to make a financial donation following an appeal she’d seen on Facebook. She bumped into an old pal at the foodbank who was already volunteering. There and then she decided to complete the application forms and within a few weeks worked her first shift with us.

Although at first “…. feeling like a fish out of water”, with the support of the other volunteers Julie quickly settled in well. She has gained so much from the face to face interaction with the clients and loves the banter with the other volunteers.

She says “It’s a sad fact there are more foodbanks in UK than McDonalds” but, whilst we’re needed, Julie hopes that she is able to “add value to the Community and to the foodbank”.

Julie - we can unequivocally state that you have made a tremendous difference to our organisation, to your fellow volunteers, and to helping the local community in their fight against food poverty.

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