To round off Volunteers Week 2020, we’d like you to meet Alan, our lead volunteer for Shop with Pride and a familiar face at many of our events!
So Alan, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m Alan Wilkinson and I’m originally from North Wales, but I live here in Liverpool and I work as a glass collector in one of the oldest LGBT+ bars in Liverpool, The Lisbon.”
We know it well! So what does your volunteering work entail?
“My role with LCR Pride Foundation involves selling our merchandise at different events all over the Liverpool City Region, throughout the year. This year will be my ninth year volunteering and I also volunteer at Pride events including, Pride In Liverpool, Chester Pride and Manchester Pride.”
So you keep busy then! How and why did you actually get into volunteering?
“I went to an event marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and saw the Pride team there. I got talking to a couple of people from the organisation, and it went from there. I volunteer because it helps with my mental health.”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
“The best things about volunteering are seeing a smile on someone’s face when they see what I’m selling and then find out where the money that we raise goes to, and also being out there supporting other volunteers and the community we live and work in.
“A couple of years ago I won volunteer of the year for the fundraising I’d been doing and that was brilliant!”
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with us?
“It’s great for meeting new people, it’s good for your mental health and it’s giving something back – give it a go!”
Due to COVID-19 registration for our volunteer programme is currently closed. If you are interested you can watch for updates on this by signing up to our newsletter.
