They're the women who are making an astonishing difference within our community - the women who, every day, are helping change people's lives for the better.
In the week when the world has been celebrating the contributions made by women around the globe, we cast a light on the volunteers who are making a real difference on our own doorsteps.
The Dons Local Action Group has become a driving force throughout the Covid pandemic, not only providing vital food boxes locally but also supplying laptops so children can continue with home education and even furniture to struggling families.
Xavier Wiggins, co-founder of Dons Local Action Group said:
"Everywhere you look at Dons Local Action you see strong, passionate, selfless women doing key tasks to support those from our communities in poverty. From wiping and delivering computers, to looking after the hot line and from staffing our stalls outside to marketing, fundraising, driving, working in the hub and many other roles, we simply couldn’t do it without them. On International Women’s Day, we salute you, the incredible women of Dons Local Action."
The following women have all been on the frontline making this happen and here they share their fascinating experiences, insights and outlooks on life.
Marie, Stall Volunteer
Marie has been a volunteer since last summer and tries to do a couple of shifts a week when she is not working as a sports journalist. The quote that Marie shares with us is as follows: "The question isn't who is going to let me, it's who is going to stop me." (Ayn Rand)
Rosie, Head of Fundraising at DLAG
Rosie heads up fundraising, which is enables DLAG to have a permanency in our communities. Rosie's chosen quote is as follows:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou). "This is the DNA of Dons Local Action Group," added Rosie.
Marie-Nelle (Stall Volunteer)
Marie-Nelle joined Dons Local Action Group a few weeks ago. When not working as a Bid Manager, she can be found helping at the food donation stall at Sainsbury's in Surbiton, where she gets to meet wonderful, generous, and thoughtful people. Marie-Nelle's quote to share is: "Hope costs nothing."
Julia, Stall Volunteer
Julia has been working from home since March last year, so it has been great for her to get out at weekends to volunteer. She is constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community. Julia's quote is: "Go out and make good things happen, you will fill the world with hope" (Barack Obama).
Lauren, Hub and Stall, plus Store Lead Volunteer
Lauren has volunteered for Dons Local Action Group since the beginning of March, often for six days a week at the start of the first lockdown. Not only did she contribute to the local community and make new friends, but she also became the Store Lead for Tesco’s New Malden, as well as working at the hub. Dons Local Action Group is now her second home, and she wants to thank everyone for the incredible work that they do. Bearing in mind that Lauren is the Store Lead for Tesco's, her quote is very apt: "Remember, every little helps!"
Helen, Helpline Leader
As well as studying, Helen runs the Dons Local Action Helpline which operates Monday to Friday. Helen’s quote to share is: "A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everyone else - I’m delighted to be standing up for others and being part of an amazing DLAG team - women - and men of course!
Katy, Hub Shift Leader
Katy started as a driver and most recently co-ordinated the Friday morning Hub shift. Her highlight of volunteering was dropping off some tea, biscuits and snacks to a local Covid Vacinnation Centre last month, to find that the volunteers there had also volunteered for DLAG in the past. We're everywhere! Something that's been reinforced from Katy's shifts is that you don't need a man to lift a heavy box, there are plenty of capable women around you! 💪
Letizia, Driver
Letizia is a Nails technician and since lockdown started, she has had to stop doing nails 💅 and found herself with too much time on her hands. Her husband and daughter were already doing deliveries for us so she decided to join. Her comment from volunteering is "I love it and I'll keep giving even when life will go back to "normal"
Letzia's quote she would like to share is ☀️"Don't look back, the sun shine in front of you, shadows belongs to the past."
Denisa, Stall Volunteer
Denisa is a real estate professional, a small local business owner, helping people sell, rent or buy their homes. She also volunteers with AgeUK and a homeless project C4WS winter shelter.
Denisa quote is “ You can get everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want”. (Zig Ziglar)
Adrienne, Stall Volunteer
Adrienne volunteered last year and this year whilst being furloughed from her usual school nursing role ...as well as involving herself in the NHS Covid vaccination program .
Her quote for international day is 'live and love ..give of your best‘🧚♀️🌸🧚♀️
Vikki, Head of Volunteering for Dons Local Action Group
Vikki believes that every single person who volunteers is special as time is so precious and something we will never get back. Our female volunteers help to make DLAG what it is - a caring, passionate and local organisation making a difference to our communities! Vikki’s quote is: "Be kind to others as you never know when you might need some kindness back" 💛💙
Corinne, Head of Marketing
Corinne was one of the first volunteers and is Head of marketing for Dons Local Action and together with her team –almost all women!- it has been incredibly heart-warming to see how our community has come together. The quote shared by Corinne is: “Giving is living. If you stop wanting to give, there’s nothing more to live for.” (Audrey Hepburn)
