Tracy Calcraft – it ‘lights me up inside’
Tracy Calcraft has working in the charity sector for more than 20 years – and has been volunteering for the same length of time.
From being a school governor, a trustee and board member at several local charities, to volunteering at the CIOF for more than five years, Tracy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with her wherever she goes.
Commenting on what inspired her to give up her time, Tracy’s answer was simple: “I know from working in the sector how valuable a resource volunteers are” – and it couldn’t be more true.
Volunteers are at the heart of our sector – they give something incredible valuable: their time, skills, energy and commitment, often simply because they care about a cause and want to make a difference.
One of Tracy’s most memorable volunteering moments was daffodil collecting with Marie Curie – bedecked in a yellow outfit and yellow top hat while there was still snow on the ground. She said: “It was the first year Marie Curie issued the hats and people either loved or loathed it – some even donated as they felt sorry for us wearing that! It kept my head warm in the snow though.”
And what’s been the most rewarding part of volunteering? For Tracy it’s working alongside her wonderful colleagues and beneficiaries of the causes she volunteers for. She said: “The whole experience lights me up inside. I want to support, add value and try to make a difference.”
Next up for Tracy on her busy schedule is the York Professionals annual ball – she’ll be selling raffle tickets and supporting the evening raising funds for a lovely local charity.
One piece of advice she would give someone interested in volunteering? “Don’t hesitate – make the time, you will never have felt so good!”