Volunteering can be a transformative experience, offering individuals the chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of others. The Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF), a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Kenya, has attracted volunteers from all walks of life. In this article we hear from two of the charity’s loyal volunteers on what drives and inspires them to continue volunteering time and time again with the charity.
Krzystof’s Olszewski’s involvement with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation began through a desire to contribute to a charity that was very precise and efficient in what they do. Having previously supported larger charities throughout the years, Kryzstof was discouraged with the volume of administration and unnecessary internal spend that could have been directed towards the very people they were set up help.
When he came across Gathimba Edwards Foundation’s profile on LinkedIn he realised that they worked quite differently to their larger counterparts. This realisation motivated Krzystof to get involved with the charity.
“One of my volunteering highlights with GEF was during the Aberdeen Parade, where I dressed up as Marcel the Monkey, meeting and high-fiving kids in the street. Apart from assisting in races, I sometimes provide financial support to the kids in Kenya. It very pleasing to see that my contributions enable kids to go to school or get some essential medical help that they sometimes need, “Krystof said.
Lisa McConachie has also provided unwavering volunteering support to GEF on multiple occasions. Lisa was inspired to volunteer after hearing a passionate speech about the plight of Kenyan families from Myles Edwards, “By the time Myles had finished his talk I knew this was an adventure i wanted to be part of. We could hear the passion from Myles and felt that this was a cause we could both support.”
Lisa has now volunteered on housebuilding trips to Kenya and has been involved in the build of new homes for disadvantaged Kenyan families. “I don’t think we will ever forget seeing the living conditions of the 4 families who were building for and then seeing the joy in everybody’s faces when homes were handed over.”
Lisa adds, “We were part of a team of about thirty who worked together to build four homes, and we encouraged a wide range of new skills. This contribution has led to the families to having a more stable life and all the children are able to continue in Education.”
Lisa is firm in her belief that volunteering for a charity such as GEF is making a huge improvement to the lives of countless families and feels a huge sense of reward and satisfaction from being involved, ‘It is just an incredible feeling and buzz to see the difference my time and donations can make to people’s lives, and I would not hesitate to encourage everyone to volunteer.”
If you are If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities with the GEF, click here to find out more.