|
|
|
With today's hectic lifestyles it can be easy
to lose sight of the important things, such as
fostering a sense of community. That's why
Tesco has launched two new volunteering
schemes – one for young adults, the other
for Tesco staff – which encourage people to contribute to their neighbourhoods and local areas.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people,
gain new skills and take part in something you
enjoy, while sharing your passions – whether for
sport, music, wildlife or art – with others.
Tesco, in partnership with seven charities, has
developed a trial Community Volunteers scheme |
 |
for their staff (providing them with paid leave for the hours they spend volunteering). These
charities include the British Red Cross, The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), the Association of Charity Shops,
the WRVS, Barnardo's, Clubs for Young People and Girlguiding UK.
In addition, to encourage those aged 16 to 25 years to get involved locally, Tesco and the youth volunteering charity v (www.vinspired.com) – working together with Community Service Volunteers (www.csv.org.uk) – are sponsoring a scheme called Agents4Change. The project aims to encourage 12,000 young people to join in a wide range of activities from environmental cleanups to music festivals. To find out more on how to become an Agent4Change, visit www.comcats.org.uk. |
 
Gemma Graham, 20, works in
Tesco in
Coleraine, Northern
Ireland and is studying and
volunteering for the British
Red Cross.
'I recently moved to Coleraine to
study,' Gemma says, 'so I thought
volunteering would be a good way
to get involved in the community
and meet new people.
Once a week I help at the Red Cross shop, sorting and pricing donations and serving customers.
You’re made to feel very welcome and I meet people from all walks of life.
‘I’m not sure what I want to do when I graduate, but from my experiences of volunteering I think
it’s something I’d like to pursue. By teaching or working within the community, I’d continue giving
back to others.’ |
 
Keen environmentalist Daniel Hargreaves,
17, from Truro in Cornwall, has been
helping out on several projects near his
home and drumming up support among
local young people for Agents4Change.
‘Lots of teenagers get labelled as being lazy, but it’s
not true,’ says Daniel. ‘Many of us want to make a
difference, which is why I decided to volunteer.
‘The first thing I took part in was a litter pick at a
local nature reserve for Cornwall Waste Action.
There was rubbish everywhere, making the place
dangerous for wildlife. But, by the time the 30 of us
had finished, it was spotless, which gave everyone a
real sense of achievement.
‘I’ve also logged wildlife for the Cornwall Wildlife
Trust. This involves taking note of any unusual
animals you see. We chose to log the ugliest ones
as we thought they’re the ones most likely to be
unloved.
‘Volunteering is brilliant fun. You might not be
getting paid for it but you learn so much from the experience. It’s better than being stuck indoors and
it’s a great way to get out |
|
Prices may be subject to change. Call Tesco Stores Customer Services on 0800 505 555 for prices and availability in your nearest store.
© Copyright Cedar Communications all rights reserved. No content or images may be reproduced in any part or form without written permission from Cedar Communications.
|
|
