Amongst the sea of opportunities to hear about a wide variety of volunteering organisations at Volunteer Expo Live, there was also the chance for attendees to get involved with some on-site volunteering for a very worthy cause!
Organised by Feed The Hungry UK as part of their Ukraine Emergency Appeal and supported by Rotary, attendees at the NEC had the chance to pack boxes of food that will be delivered to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova.
The event was an overwhelming success, with over 700 boxes filled over two days by the generous attendees as well as some of the event’s speakers such as incoming RI President Jennifer Jones and Fitmums & Friends Founder Sam Barlow.
Each of the boxes weighs 10kg which means one box can feed a family of four for up to a week.
Reflecting on Volunteer Expo Live, Feed The Hungry UK’s Gwyn Williams said: “It’s great to be in a place where, working with other organisations, we can share ideas and opportunities to make life better for a lot of other people who are suffering during this time.”
The food-packing event received coverage from BBC West Midlands News who spoke to Gwyn as well as Rotary Great Britain & Ireland General Secretary Amanda Watkin.
Speaking to the BBC, Amanda said of volunteering: “The contribution to society financially because people are giving their time for free is phenomenal, and it is something that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the government recognise as well.
“So to have this showcase and raise the profile, I think is critical.”
Photos from the event:
Several attendees over the two-day event were more than up for some onsite volunteering!
Feed The Hungry UK Director Gwyn Williams helping someone with their packing.
The boxes are in the process of being delivered to Moldova to be given to Ukrainian refugees.
Fitmums & Friends Founder Sam Barlow got stuck into the food packing straight after her Volunteer Expo main stage slot had finished.
Attendees of every age were keen to lend a helping hand.
Each box contained enough food to feed a family of four for a week.
Attendees were able to sign their names on boxes that they had packed.
Since being founded in 1987, Feed The Hungry have delivered more than £300 million worth of food across 92 countries.
Incoming RI President Jennifer Jones was more than happy to lend a helping hand.
