A regular volunteer on AFC Wimbledon match days, Georgia Brickell is now making a vital contribution to the Dons Local Action Group.
Georgia is a big Dons supporter, and she says that being a part of this fantastic community initiative has made her prouder than ever to be involved with the club. Georgia (left above) is pictured with fellow volunteer Su Hurworth.
In case you missed it, Georgia put together an article about her involvement, which featured in the Dons Local Action Group newsletter, and this is reproduced below.
I spent the first couple of weeks of lockdown at a loose end. I woke up and felt no purpose and no sense of routine. I found myself at a low ebb and suffering more panic attacks than usual. It was the fear of the unknown. I have been a volunteer for AFC Wimbledon on match days since I was 13 years of age. I have taken on a number of volunteer roles since I first got involved. Most recently, I have been a stretcher bearer on match days.
It was always going to be the case that I would get involved throughout this pandemic, but I didn’t realise just how involved I would become. I am now the supermarket leader for the collection stall at Waitrose in Raynes Park, building a team of helpers and a wonderful little supermarket stall. The response has been phenomenal. Since getting involved with the DLAG I can honestly say that I have never been prouder to be a Womble.
I have found the response to be overwhelming and unbelievable – people’s generosity makes me emotional on a daily basis. The feeling when I go home after a three-hour shift is so rewarding. I personally suffer with anxiety, depression, panic attacks and a borderline personality disorder. So for me, being involved in this has helped me massively. It gives me a reason to get out of bed everyday. It is giving me a sense of purpose and I find my mind is constantly occupied with thinking of new ways to attract attention, whilst being on the stall. So not only are this wonderful group of people helping so many people on a daily basis, you are saving and helping me – and I’m sure others who are volunteering too.
The Dons Local Action Group are looking for more volunteers to help this great community project. If you can help, contact 020 3301 4511 (9am-6pm), or you can e-mail dla@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk . In particular, volunteers are wanted for the Kingston area, and at Southfields, where a new collection stall has been opened.