Charity shops plan jubilee parties as thanks to ‘diamond’ helpers

It’s appropriate that the week coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen, the charity’s patron, who has sent a special message of thanks. The charity is presenting the message in the form of a commemorative booklet to all its volunteers and hosting jubilee tea parties to thank them for the enormous contributions.

Volunteers in the East of Scotland give more than 48,000 hours of their time each year to support community services and raise funds for the charity.

The local services in the Borders are run by co-ordinators Rosemary Anderson and Sandra Nicholas-Cole with the help of trained volunteers. Groups meet weekly in Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles, Duns, Jedburgh, Kelso and Eyemouth.

Rosemary explained: “Our volunteers are really precious to us. We greatly appreciate all their hard work and the contribution they have made to the charity’s success – we couldn’t do it without them.

“We are always looking for more volunteers to join our friendly team. It’s rewarding as well as interesting and fun and they make a real difference to the lives of people in the local community.”

CHSS’s charity shops in Peebles and Melrose are also thanking their volunteers. Shop managers Margaret Williamson and Andrena O’Brien will hold afternoon tea parties in the stores on June 7, which are open to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer as well as those already giving their time.

The charity funds vital medical research and provides a range of local services for people with chest, heart or stroke illness and their families. As well as the support groups there are stroke nurses and an advice line staffed by professional nurses where confidential advice and information for patients and carers can be obtained for the price of a local call (0845 077 6000). There is also a website at www.chss.org.uk.

To find out more about volunteering with CHSS call Rosemary Anderson on 01573 440587 or email [email protected]