Summer of Give: Inspiring Individuals and iPhone Apps - 2010, What a Year!

With 2010 drawing to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past twelve months and look forward to a brand new decade. While I’d love to share everything we’ve been up to at Vinspired, I’ll focus on a few personal highlights instead.

My journey with Vinspired began in May, just before festival fever swept the nation. Volunteers from across England showcased their unique talents to entertain festival-goers and promote volunteering. I joined the big V bus at the Summer of Give tour in Weston Super Mare for a fantastic weekend at T4 On The Beach. There, I met Megan, who traveled from North London at 5 am to photograph the event and enjoy her free festival ticket. Megan didn’t waste a moment, diving right into the action to capture unforgettable moments with artists like Dizzee Rascal and Professor Green.

On the bus, beatboxer Bass6 energized the crowds, creating an incredible atmosphere fueled by the enthusiasm of our talented volunteers. We all returned home exhausted but deeply fulfilled. The beauty of Summer of Give is that it makes festivals accessible. All you need is some time to give back, and you can enjoy a fantastic weekend with your favorite artists without spending much money. For those unable to travel during the summer, volunteering offers a way to stay active, entertained, and meet amazing people.

The big purple bus continued its journey around the country for the Vexciting tour in the autumn, visiting universities and colleges. While university can be a transformative period, transitioning to the workforce can be challenging—especially now. Volunteering provides a fantastic opportunity to build connections and skills necessary for your career. Representatives from Redbull, Bright Futures, and Lattitude Global Volunteering hosted workshops and Q&As, sharing industry insights.

One of the most touching aspects of this year has been reading stories of the Vinspired Regional Award Winners. Our mission revolves around volunteers—the unsung heroes dedicating their time selflessly to their communities. The Vinspired National Awards allow us to recognize these exceptional individuals. For many, volunteering can be the first step towards finding purpose or giving back to those less fortunate. Volunteers form the silent backbone of society, inspiring and supporting those in need.

Looking ahead, we’re at an exciting juncture. The response to the new Vinspired iPhone app has been phenomenal, and we anticipate embracing more positive developments.

What are your plans for the new year? Perhaps you’re inspired to take up a new hobby or consider 2011 as your year to give back. If you’re seeking ideas, check out our category for New Year’s Resolutions. Why wait? Now’s the time to make a difference.

We’d love to hear about your experiences this year—whether you hopped aboard the big V bus or found inspiration through Vinspired.com. Share your stories with us!