The Benefits of Volunteering
by Somayya Gefori
I recently started a volunteer job in my local hospital. I work for the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) who have two shops in the hospital, in which all the proceeds go into helping older people in the community. For this reason it doesn’t bother me that I am not being paid. I feel good for helping out. I work one three-hour shift every week. We are like a little corner shop, we sell hot and cold drinks, and snacks. I have heard about many people who don’t get on with their bosses, but I get on very well with my manager, Maureen. She is older than me, but I feel she is friendly and easy to talk to.
The WRVS was first set up in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Service. (The ‘Royal’ part was later added on by the current Queen Elizabeth). WRVS was initially formed to help civilians during the Second World War – in evacuation, emergency feeding and providing general care and support. Basically, while the men were away fighting, the women were doing their bit in helping with the war effort.
As you can imagine, it feels pretty good to be involved with a charity like this. WRVS is now 70-years old, and I feel I am now part of its history. I am also proud that I am able to work wearing my jilbab and hijab. My intention was not to work in a job in which I would made to remove any of my religious dress. I am free to wear them in my volunteering job, and for that I am glad. When non-Muslims see Muslims committed to their religion, we can only hope they respect us for that. It is also a good form of dawah. Some Muslims like to hide away, and never mention their religion. Non-Muslims are honest in what they do outside work and socially, so why not be equally honest and let them know how you live your life? You may find that they are very interested, as I have found on many occasions.
The hospital I work in is called the ‘James Cook University Hospital‘, in Middlesbrough. It is named after the explorer Captain James Cook, who was born and grew up in an area of Middlesbrough called Marton, which is where the hospital is situated. There is another reason I feel good about working here: last year I had my burst appendix removed in this very hospital. I feel as if I am giving something back, in a way.
Working in the shop at the hospital is not the only volunteering I’m up to this year. I will also be volunteering in the creche at the 2008 JIMAS Conference in Leicester. So why not take up volunteering in your community? It’s a feel good activity that helps others
by Somayya Gefori
I recently started a volunteer job in my local hospital. I work for the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) who have two shops in the hospital, in which all the proceeds go into helping older people in the community. For this reason it doesn’t bother me that I am not being paid. I feel good for helping out. I work one three-hour shift every week. We are like a little corner shop, we sell hot and cold drinks, and snacks. I have heard about many people who don’t get on with their bosses, but I get on very well with my manager, Maureen. She is older than me, but I feel she is friendly and easy to talk to.
The WRVS was first set up in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Service. (The ‘Royal’ part was later added on by the current Queen Elizabeth). WRVS was initially formed to help civilians during the Second World War – in evacuation, emergency feeding and providing general care and support. Basically, while the men were away fighting, the women were doing their bit in helping with the war effort.
As you can imagine, it feels pretty good to be involved with a charity like this. WRVS is now 70-years old, and I feel I am now part of its history. I am also proud that I am able to work wearing my jilbab and hijab. My intention was not to work in a job in which I would made to remove any of my religious dress. I am free to wear them in my volunteering job, and for that I am glad. When non-Muslims see Muslims committed to their religion, we can only hope they respect us for that. It is also a good form of dawah. Some Muslims like to hide away, and never mention their religion. Non-Muslims are honest in what they do outside work and socially, so why not be equally honest and let them know how you live your life? You may find that they are very interested, as I have found on many occasions.
The hospital I work in is called the ‘James Cook University Hospital‘, in Middlesbrough. It is named after the explorer Captain James Cook, who was born and grew up in an area of Middlesbrough called Marton, which is where the hospital is situated. There is another reason I feel good about working here: last year I had my burst appendix removed in this very hospital. I feel as if I am giving something back, in a way.
Working in the shop at the hospital is not the only volunteering I’m up to this year. I will also be volunteering in the creche at the 2008 JIMAS Conference in Leicester. So why not take up volunteering in your community? It’s a feel good activity that helps others