Gary Richardson – “The best way to learn is to do.”
Gary has been a volunteer with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising for over 25 years, playing an integral part in the running of our annual Fundraising Convention.
This year, at our National Fundraising Awards, Gary was awarded a Special Volunteering Award in recognition of his contribution to our work and the wider sector.
Helping people is why I joined the sector in the first place and volunteering is the ultimate vehicle for achieving that and every time I do it, it genuinely reaffirms my faith in the humanity of the vast majority of people.
Gary took the time to explain to us what made him volunteer with us, and why he has continued to do so for many years. You can read more about this below.
How long have you been volunteering with CIOF?
I started volunteering with CIOF as soon as I joined, becoming Chair of the North East Group initially then for 27 years as a convention volunteer.
What inspired you to give up your time?
The best way to learn is to do. The best way to network is participate. The first lesson I learned while doing my Certificate in Fundraising was “people give to people”. That is a two way process that often means the more you give the more you get back in return.
What’s been the most rewarding part of volunteering?
What you and others are able to achieve. Collective effort and a team spirit that produces a coordinated joint effort that has a far greater impact than working alone is one of the most rewarding things to be part of. I have met some of the most amazing people in my years volunteering who, even after so many years in the sector, inspire me with their skill, dedication and kindness.
Any memorable moments?
Many! Often based on challenging circumstances when as a team you are able to overcome problems and make things happen. The sense of camaraderie and fun in these circumstances often helps foster life long friendships and those fleeting moments when you meet new people and they through fate or whatever, become a special part of your life and who you are is one of the great joys of life.
What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in becoming a volunteer – whether for the CIOF or another organisation?
Just do it. One thing that volunteering does is often to get you out of yourself. It opens your horizons and in a strange way gives you a chance to see the world around you again. This is a huge benefit in a world of work, the day job, which is pretty intensive.
What’s next on your volunteering calendar?
I hope to be able to continue to do the pro bono consultancy work I do for small charities and support new fundraisers coming into the sector of the first time and in that sense, if my help is wanted, I hope I will be able to do so.