Why Volunteer with Action 21?

"...I meet some nice people while doing my bit for the environment..."

Name:	Harry Portrey
Occupation:	Full time parent
Age:	59
When:	Started volunteering in May 2009
What:	Recycle Warehouse, pricing and selling
Why:	"I like the social side of it. I meet some nice people while doing my bit for the environment. Also you can guarantee that if you ever need anything for the home it will turn up here sooner rather than later."

“I like to see Action 21 getting value from the items which are donated”

Name:	Karen
Occupation:	Currently unemployed
Age:	39
When:	Since July 2009
What:	Re-Useful Centre; researching the value of items and selling via Ebay and Amazon.
Why:	“I had not been able to work for health reasons and I wanted to maintain my office skills, particularly computing. The biggest part of my role is in researching the potential value of items that people donate, I have learnt a lot as I have gone along particularly when it comes to valuing books. I like to see Action 21 getting value from the items which are donated.”

"it's important to save serviceable goods from landfill..."

Name:	Mick Millar
Occupation:	Currently unemployed
Age:	50
When:	Started volunteering October 2008
What:	Portable appliance tester. That means I check electrical goods to make sure they are safe and in good working order.
Why:	"After a road accident I have been unable to work. During my recovery I have been volunteering for Action21. I like volunteering because no two days are the same. You never know what items will come through the door and my fellow volunteers are a nice bunch of people. I also feel it’s important to save serviceable goods from landfill."

“…because I’m doing something really valuable – for both the environment and myself.”

Name:	Laura Sparshot
Occupation:	Student
Age:	20
When:	Started volunteering in March 2007
What:	Helping to edit the website and write articles for it.
Why:	“I first got involved with Action21 in 2007 through my university Volunteer group. It was a particularly exciting opportunity because, as a student, I didn’t feel like I did much for the local community and wanted that to change. Volunteering means a lot to me as the idea of donating time and effort to help improve the world is extremely inspiring – but annoyingly time isn’t usually free flowing where I’m concerned. So being website developer for Action21 was perfect. I absolutely love writing and do a lot of editing, and it is really rewarding to use these skills to make a difference to this fantastic group. That passion, my environmental enthusiasm and having freedom to do the work when I can, really shows that Action21 has something for everyone."

"...I can use my business experience and contribute to the sustainability objectives of Action 21..."

Name:	Chris Pollock
Occupation:	Retired
Age:	63
When:	Started volunteering in January 2008
What:	I'm a Director of Action 21, focusing on developing the income streams which fund our projects.
Why:	"I like volunteering because I can use my business experience and contribute to the environmental and sustainability objectives of Action 21. I work in the recycle shop in order to keep a finger on the pulse of the business. Sometimes I'm sitting on the board discussing the strategic direction of Action 21 and other times I'm selling second hand prams! It never ceases to amaze me that people donate such good quality things. Our customers really appreciate the value they get here and that adds to the atmosphere of the place. Many people could not afford to buy these things new and they often say it's the best shop in town."

“It’s my aspiration to build a wheel from scratch”

Name:	Tony
Occupation:	Currently unemployed
Age:
When:	Started volunteering two years ago
What:	Bike Renovation/Reclamation
Why:	“My mother-in-law suggested volunteering, I had always tinkered with bikes but now through volunteering I have gained a qualification in cycle maintenance and repair. Some bikes that are donated just need air in the tyres, others we strip off the components, we get wheels without frames and frames without wheels…we try to chuck away as little as possible. It’s my aspiration to be able to rebuild a wheel from scratch.”

Taking practical steps towards a greener future