Guernsey celebrates island volunteers

The island is joining UK Volunteers’ Week, an annual event which begins on Monday

Guernsey is recognising the "vital contribution" volunteers make to communities.

The island is joining UK Volunteers’ Week, an annual event which begins on Monday.

The Association of Guernsey Charities said it was "an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the individuals who give their time, passion and skills to make our island communities stronger and more vibrant".

It said during the Volunteers' Week all organisations who used them should "celebrate" them and the "contributions they make".

'Strong volunteering culture'

Kristin Dowling, development officer at the association, said it was "fantastic to see a strong volunteering culture in Guernsey".

"It’s not just the outstanding contributions that make a difference, all the small acts of kindness are of equal importance, helping our community to be a fairer, healthier and happier place for everyone.

"Thanking volunteers is more important than ever in the context of many local charities facing increased difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers.”

'Enhance our lives'

Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard McMahon, thanked all the volunteers.

He said: "Without them, we would all be much poorer.

"We should encourage and support everyone who volunteers or might consider doing so because whatever help they can give is invaluable.”

Sir Richard Cripwell, Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, described charities as an "integral part of life" on the island.

"In every walk of life, remarkable people do remarkable things every day to enhance our lives and, for some people, simply make them more bearable.

"Many charities on the island do their work unnoticed and unheralded, but all of them make a difference.

"If you would like to help them to continue to do so, please consider supporting, either through financial contributions, donations in kind, or by giving your time and skills."

He added: "Anything you can do will make a difference as well."