News

Volunteer Celebration at The Cedar Foundation

Date Posted: Wednesday 16 June 2004

A Celebration of volunteering achievement with The Cedar Foundation was held recently at The Beechlawn Hotel, Dunmurry. Nearly 30 people who volunteer through the Cedar Foundation were officially thanked for their efforts by The Foundation and presented with Volunteer Week Certificates and Achievement Certificates.

Volunteer placements at Women's Aid, Guide Dogs for The Blind and Conservation Volunteers for service users of The Cedar Foundation were organised by The Cedar Foundation.

Eddie Savage, a service user with The Cedar Foundation added:

"I really enjoy the time I spend at The Conservation Volunteers garden. I like working with the plants and feel that I am making a real contribution to the garden. I have learnt a lot and have made some good friends"

These ran in conjunction with a number of exciting Cedar Foundation projects such as 'The Walk in the Park' photographic project, in conjunction with The Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, which was on show in the Waterfront Hall in June; 'The Will to Wheel' project which commissioned a feasibility study for the Finaghy shopping area looking at accessibility for disabled people and the 'So Go For It!' Environmental Art project, run in conjunction with Therese Pollock and Luis Martinez from Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland.

Diane Browne, a service user with The Cedar Foundation explains more about the So Go For It! Environmental Art course: "We've been working on mosaics. I never thought mosaics would be so easy to make with a bit of training, and they are beautiful, too. It was difficult to start, but you get used to it. It has been very good working with Peggy, and especially with her wee boy. If I were able-bodied I would be a child''s nurse. I really like coming along and chatting to people and making friends"

Peggy, a volunteer on the So Go For It programme is doing a 4 year degree in Health and Social Care, and this experience has contributed to her coursework and development. She has been able to bring her infant son with her, and he has added immensely to the morning?s enjoyment. She adds: "Every week I look forward to Tuesdays when I am able to chat, share, work with and help people. I feel like I belong here."

The Cedar Foundation works in partnership with people with physical disability throughout Northern Ireland. We develop and deliver services that promote choice, opportunity, independence and equality.

To find out more please log on to www.cedar-foundation.org Tel: 028 9066 6188 or e-mail: info@cedar-foundation.org.

Click [here] to download assigned publication

Designed and Developed by Biznet Solutions