Next up in our series of Volunteer Q&As is a man who will be very familiar to many of those who support the Good Shepherd. Paul has been with us for the last nine years carrying out a really important service. Here are his thoughts:
What do you do at the Good Shepherd?
I am currently a driver for the Good Shepherd and my duties involve visiting various organisations and companies to collect donations of food, toiletries and produce which would otherwise go to waste. We can then use these donations to either cook with, or distribute to our clients.
Why did you decide to volunteer and how long have you been volunteering?
I stumbled upon the Good Shepherd by chance in 2014 and after the initial shock of seeing how many homeless and vulnerable people were in need of assistance, and the wonderful work the Brothers were doing, was bitten by the bug of wanting to help. I have been with them ever since.
What do you find the most fulfilling about volunteering here?
I feel very privileged and proud to work for such a wonderful charity as the Good Shepherd and it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction knowing my small contribution goes towards helping the less fortunate in our society.
Why do you feel the work of the Good Shepherd is important in Wolverhampton?
Without the regular food service, help and assistance that the Good Shepherd offers, our clients would have nowhere else to turn to.
What is the most special memory you have experienced whilst being a volunteer here?
It brought home to me in 2016 what dire straits some people get themselves into when, in the middle of a cold winter, a client arrived at our doorstep for help and walked in with bare feet. He had no shoes or socks to wear on his feet. We of course helped him with food, clothing and any other assistance we could offer.
Describe the Good Shepherd in three words?
Empathy, understanding and dedication.
- Paul is pictured after picking up a donation from Wolves defender Nelson Semedo.