Young volunteer clocks 100 hours

Jamie Bate, of Leeds Smith Drive in Sandy, has been enrolled on the Bedford Volunteer Centre’s Central Youth Volunteering Project since February and he has just reached the milestone.

The Sandy Upper School student said: “Sarah Bigg from the Central Youth Volunteering Project had come into my school and did a presentation about it.

“She said ‘if you want to do some volunteering leave your email’ and so I left my email with her and it went from there.”

The 15-year-old has participated in a wide range of activities from leaflet drops to help with the Swan Beavers in Sandy. He also spent seven hours marshalling Sue Ryder’s Starlight Walk.

Chances to volunteer are emailed around and volunteers are able to select which activities they help with. On average Jamie spend two hours a week volunteering.

He said: “I like to give something back. If I had to choose a favourite volunteering activity it would have to be the beavers.

“I run games for them at the beginning of the night and join them with the football. If they are being too loud I keep them quiet.

“I would recommend volunteering to others.”

Sarah Bigg said: “The Central Youth Volunteering Project is very proud of Jamie. He is such a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer.

“We hope it will inspire other young people to get involved.”

Elaine Boyd, assistant head at Sandy Upper School, added: “At Sandy Upper School commitment is one of our whole school values. We are extremely proud of Jamie for completing his 100 hours of voluntary service. He is a credit to the entire school community.”

There are many opportunities on the Central Beds Council funded project. For details contact Sarah on 01234 213100 or [email protected]