Christmas Volunteers: The Imperative to Offer Assistance

Christmas is commonly recognized as a period of generosity, marked by numerous gifts exchanged throughout the nation. However, while many individuals prepare to unwrap presents on this significant day, others opt to deviate from tradition, dedicating their time to volunteering instead. As they prepare to spend Christmas Day apart from their families, friends, festive meals, and television, we interviewed them to understand their motivation for offering their valuable time. Theresa John’s church organization, Victory Outreach Manchester, organizes a complimentary lunch for 100 local residents who would otherwise be solitary on Christmas Day. She informed BBC Radio Manchester that the event, which has expanded since its inception in 2022, addresses “a real need.” “We have got a heart to see people who have been on their own – the dark side of Christmas,” she stated. She added, “I think there are a lot of mental health challenges at this time of year.” She recounted a recent encounter with a frequent attendee who had been grappling with grief following the loss of his parents and sister, and who conveyed to her that Christmas had transformed into “a really, really hard time.” She mentioned, “At the dinner, it was the first time he’d played games and laughed at Christmas for many, many years.” She observed that it was “really nice hearing all the Christmas songs and seeing all the lights and the bells and whistles, but the reality is, behind a lot of people’s closed doors, there’s a lot of loneliness and isolation.” “Coming from a Christian perspective, that idea of extending our table to invite other people is really important to me at this time of year,” she explained. She further questioned, “If we’re not providing a need for our community, then what are we really doing?” Connor Wray, a lifeboat volunteer stationed at New Brighton beach in Merseyside, commented that being available for duty on Christmas Day was “like being on call any other day.” He chose to join the RNLI as a volunteer during the Covid pandemic, having observed an accumulation of societal frustration. He stated, “I saw a lot of anger and wanted to make a better difference in the world,” adding, “It would be hypocritical not to.” He operates a local theatre company and also works as a photographer, professions that allow him flexibility during his daytime hours. He remarked, “Thankfully my Christmas dinners haven’t been interrupted so far.” He then asserted, “But if you’re around and you can help, you should help. “It involves small sacrifices but generally it works quite well.” The RNLI receives approximately 100 calls across the nation during the holiday season, with its crews prepared to forgo time with loved ones to rescue individuals in peril. Although peak demand is observed in the summer, Connor noted that numerous incidents still occur during the winter holidays because “people are keen to get out of the home and go for walks.” He recommended that visitors verify tide times prior to their excursions, further stating that the Mersey is “such a busy river with so many different activities like working commercial vessels or people at leisure.” Sue Fenn has dedicated over five years to volunteering at an RSPCA rehoming centre located in Preston. The Christmas season is particularly demanding for the charity, but on Christmas Day, she explained that the animals receive stockings “full of treats and gifts which will have been donated by supporters over the festive period.” The 71-year-old stated that she “always wanted to volunteer once I retired.” She added, “I love being active and anyone that knows me knew it would involve cats and dogs.” She mentioned having “adopted five rescue dogs, my latest is Skylar.” She described Christmas Day at the centre as “magical.” She elaborated, “Seeing the dogs’ faces when they get the toys and treats out of their Christmas stocking just makes my day, not to mention the cuddles.” Robin Davies, a 69-year-old father and grandfather residing in Whalley, Lancashire, is getting ready to volunteer at the Blackburn branch of Samaritans on Christmas Day for the inaugural time. He explained that he chose to dedicate his day after discovering the significant demand for the service during the holiday season. He commented, “It can be very sad, lonely time for people,” and further noted, “Christmas is supposed to be about friends and family, so it can be particularly hard for those who have lost someone.” Mr Davies expressed that he does not anticipate missing out on family time on the main holiday, as “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a season.” He remarked, “I’m lucky, I’ve got a big family and I’ve had lots of family Christmases.” He continued, “My children and grandchildren and scattered all over now so we spread Christmas around the season and try to work around each other’s commitments so we can see each other.” “This year we’re working around me doing Samaritans on Christmas Day,” he concluded. Story ideas can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. 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