Although fairly new to the CHSW volunteering family, Vivien is a fantastic sunshiny individual that really gets stuck in with trying to expand the community of volunteers through raising awareness of the hospice and all that the hospice does to support children and their families through difficult times.
Before Vivien retired, she used to have a marketing business and has lots of contacts with businesses in the Bath area. Her networking has been something that has come in handy when volunteering for the hospice.
I've introduced the charity to a number of businesses in Bath and we've done several events together. One favourite of mine was when we had a bake off. I think we had 16 pieces of cake that day!
Her first introduction to the hospice was in her local Morrisons store, 18 months ago, where some volunteers were doing a bucket collection and introducing the charity to the shoppers. At that point she had an interesting conversation with a volunteer and straight away knew she wanted to get involved. From there Vivien met with with her Area Fundraiser Heidi Roberts, who likes to meet with all her volunteers for coffee to understand what they want to get out of volunteering.
After retiring from running her marketing business, Vivien has found that she has missed having a group of friends from work, however being a volunteer, she has found a whole new network of like-minded, positive individuals.
I've really found it very rewarding, and I have met some great people. So, almost as volunteering, giving you another group of friends. And you know, some of these friends they may well remain friends for many, many years.
The hospice has had a profound effect on Vivien. She said “I must be honest, doing this work for the charity has changed my life. Until you've been to somewhere like this, you just do not realise how poorly some children can be, but when you go to the hospice you always see them so happy.”
Vivien states how she finds the staff are all so dedicated. “Everybody wants to make that child's life as happy as they can while they spend time at Charlton Farm, always leaving a positive mark! I just was not aware of what this amazing charity could do!"
Vivien really is an amazing character, and you will literally smile from ear to ear if she's anywhere near you. We are so grateful how much positivity and effort she, and all our other lovely volunteers do to help contribute towards Children’s Hospice South West.