Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway has thanked organisations and volunteers across the region for all their efforts in the last year.
Volunteers play a hugely important role in the region, but their energy and skills were called upon more than ever due to COVID-19.
A recruitment drive to respond to the pandemic saw over 1700 sign up to help, with more than a quarter drafted in to support residents or organisations.
This was on top of the army of volunteers – already attached to organisations and resilience teams – that were also on the ground delivering vital services to the vulnerable and most in need.
Norma Austin Hart, chief executive officer of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG), said the role of volunteers had never been valued more than during this year.
“Volunteers are now recognised as the beating heart of communities across Dumfries and Galloway,” she said. “At Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, we have always known that volunteers are precious but this year you have gone above and beyond all expectations. Thank you so much for everything you have given during this challenging year.”
Ann Gordon, TSDG Volunteering Officer, said this year had proven again that volunteers were the lifeblood of many organisations across the region.
The response to the recruitment drive had been astonishing and in the last nine months many organisations and communities in Dumfries and Galloway had benefited from the help of the COVID-19 volunteers both long-term and on an ad hoc basis.
Other volunteers had also continued to undertake regular roles across the region.
Ann said: “Dumfries and Galloway is truly a great place to volunteer – thank you to everyone who gives up their time to help others”
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