Making a difference to people's lives: volunteering for Marie Curie

By:: Immar
Published: 02 April 2025
Tagged under:: Everything Else

During his summer break, Immar did a month of volunteering at Marie Curie. He tells us about his experience and how volunteering can help make a difference.

During the summer break of 2024, I decided to do a month's worth of volunteering. I spent around 18 hours per week working in Marie Curie's charity shop. I worked closely with the managers of the shop to set up some fun summer events with the aim of raising some well-needed funds for the charity.

Clothing racks filled with various second hand items.

What were my motivations?

I decided to pursue this volunteering opportunity because I wanted to give back to the community during my spare time. I chose to volunteer for Marie Curie as I think the work they do is amazing. In the UK, they are a charity that provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families. They ensure everyone has a comfortable and dignified end of life.

Planning the event

During the month I volunteered for Marie Curie, I worked to secure a place to host the fundraising event. I did find the event planning and execution challenging as we needed to find a place and get people to sponsor.

However, once a place had been secured, funds were raised in the form of bake sales and raffles. I was touched to see how many people kindly donated gifts to be used in the raffle - this helped us sell lots more tickets!

A person writing on a brown wooden table near a white ceramic mug.

The fundraising event

We decided to host the fundraising event in Robert's Park in Saltaire. It was a fantastic day and many families turned up. We were able to raise a significant amount which will go towards the improvements of the hospices to help those living there.

During the event, my main role was overseeing everything and ensuring that the plan we had created was being followed. I got the opportunity to speak to some of the people who attended to give them some information about the work Marie Curie does.

The event consisted of multiple raffles. Prizes included a chocolate hamper, a bundle of shower gels and soaps, and some clothing for pets. There was also a bake sale where members of the team baked cakes and muffins. All the money made was donated to the hospice.

What experiences did I gain?

Overall, planning the event has enhanced my planning and time management skills as we had a deadline because the event needed to be finished by the end of August.

Participating in this volunteer opportunity was challenging. However, I am proud that every challenge we faced was overcome by the power of teamwork. This experience highlighted the importance of having a good team around you.

Before my voluntary work, I was never a fan of teamwork and found it pointless. However, this work experience completely changed my outlook as I’ve come to realise the strength and importance of a team. Not only was I able to help my community, but I was also able to change my outlook.

Unexpectedly, communication was an important aspect of my volunteering experience. During my volunteering, I met many customers and spoke to them about their views on Marie Curie and why they always choose to come into the shop and have a look. I had many valuable conversations as many people opened up and talked about how Marie Curie had helped their families in times of need.