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Pamela Bertschinger
I worked for 11 years with Barnet Mencap as part of the Admin Team but in 2009 my job was made redundant. My sister in law suggested that I try volunteering with Jewish Care.
I started by filing in the Fundraising Department, which was not very exhilarating, but the staff in that department made me feel so welcome and part of the team that I just got on with it. In the meantime, I noticed in the Volunteers Vacancy list, that there was an opening for a manicurist at one of the residential homes. I went for it, and started working at Kay Court, (which has now closed), enjoying the challenge immensely. My mother had dementia, so working with the very vulnerable residents was second nature to me.
The Volunteers Department was aware that I had a background in event planning, and they asked whether I would be interested in organising the annual Volunteers Awards. I gathered quotes for catering and venue setting up which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will be assisting with the Awards for 2011 too.
The joy of giving was, and is, so satisfying that when I was approached by the Volunteers Department and asked if I would be interested in doing training for Befriending, I thought “why not?”, and now I wear yet another hat, that of Befriending Co-ordinator, which I enjoy very much.
I now spend a day a week at the beautiful new Campus in Golders Green with the residents of Otto Schiff, continuing with my manicures, and although its not even 2 years since I started, I feel as though I have been involved for ever. I also help at the Ella and Ridley Jacobs home in Hendon, doing the Reception half a day a week. The warmth and friendliness of everyone within Jewish Care is second to none, the support and training for volunteers if very professional. If anyone has any doubts about volunteering, just come along and you will be hooked!
Next event
Registration is now open for the community fundraiser
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