To celebrate Volunteers Week, we're shining a spotlight on the people who generously give up their time to help others. Chris and Judy run the Julia's House Bridport Friends group and have been fundraising for us since 2006...
How long have you been volunteering?
We have been volunteering since 2006.
What volunteering do you do for Julia’s House?
We run the Bridport Friends Group. We have a twice-weekly stall in Bridport, and take our stall/gazebo to any fete etc we can, and help at various festivals. We used to work in the shop as well!
Where did you first hear about Julia’s House?
Bridport Inner Wheel Club visited the house in 2005, and Judy went and was smitten!
Why did you decide to get involved?
We raised £1,000 and took the cheque to an open evening - we were hooked is all I can say! Fifteen years later we still are.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Without being too sweet, it is the knowledge that a child or a family somewhere has had their life/lives made more bearable by our efforts. With healthy children and grandchildren ourselves, it comes home to you when one sees those that Julia's House helps.
Favourite/memorable moment from volunteering at Julia’s House:
Difficult to say, but the Upton House music festival must be up there when Kathryn Jenkins chose Julia’s House and we helped. We watched Ebony helped onto the stage to present a bouquet and cried with 2,000 others. Raising £3,000 at our Black and White Ball was pretty special too.
What would you say to anyone who’s thinking of volunteering for us?:
I would say do it yesterday, you will feel fulfilled!
