Volunteer of the Month: Liam O’Dell
Volunteer of the Month: Liam O’Dell
Liam O’Dell, a 15-year-old enthusiastic volunteer from Bedford, has achieved his v50 award and has no plans to stop any time soon. Liam began volunteering in early 2012 and has already contributed to an impressive array of causes.
Sarah Bigg from Volunteer Centre Bedford says: “Liam has taken part in a variety of volunteering projects including a farm restoration project, bucket collections for East Anglian Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder, and has been a valuable part of the planning team for a Christmas fete for the local Sue Ryder Hospice. Liam shows great dedication and enthusiasm for all his volunteering. His weekends have been filled with bucket collections for local and national organizations. His volunteering is so varied, and his passion for giving back to the community is brilliant.”
Meet the Winner!
Tell me a little bit more about the volunteering you have done in the last year?
I started volunteering at the start of 2012. It was through Sarah Bigg; she runs a volunteering project and she came into my school to talk about volunteering and the events at the time. I thought it sounded really interesting, so I decided to participate.
I’ve mostly done fundraising for charities, but I’ve also handed out leaflets and participated in diverse tasks like restoration projects and helping out at events, selling merchandise for charities.
How does it feel to win Volunteer of the Month?
It feels great. It’s nice to know that someone has recognized my efforts and realized my passion for volunteering.
In what ways do you feel you’ve made a difference to others?
I particularly helped out with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. I made a new friend through the person organizing the events there, who always explained how much of a benefit volunteers are to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Sue Ryder is another example; they used to hire older volunteers, and now they are hiring younger people, which is helping them succeed. It’s a great feeling to help others, knowing you’ve contributed positively to their lives.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? And how do you feel volunteering has changed you?
I’ve made more friends and improved my social skills. Initially, I was a bit shy, but activities like fundraising and handing out leaflets have helped me talk to more people of different ages. I’ve learned to diversify my communication and establish connections.
What do you do outside of volunteering?
I am in upper school. In my spare time, I read, volunteer, and write. Of course, I have exams, but I try to volunteer as much as possible.
What would you say are the three best things about volunteering?
- Making new friends.
- Knowing that you’ve done some good.
- Improving certain skills.
What issues do you care about most? If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the one thing that you’d change?
I would talk about equality. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, gender, etc., is treated equally without prejudice or discrimination would be my aim.
How important are the Vinspired awards to you? Do you think that achieving these awards has benefited you in any way?
They are massively important. They matter for employers, CVs, and UCAS applications. It’s great to show potential employers that you’ve put in the effort and actually helped others. And the fact that Vinspired is nationally recognized.
What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to Vinspired.com?
There are so many benefits. You meet new people, and you can see the good you’ve done firsthand. The experience is great. Vinspired.com is user-friendly, easy to understand, and it helps you find opportunities in your area.
Learn more about other inspiring volunteers: Volunteer of the Month: Liam O’Dell, Meet July’s Volunteer of the Month, Joseph Roncarelli, Volunteer of the Month - September 2014, Volunteer of the Month - December 2014, Volunteer of the Month - April, Volunteer of the Month - October 2014.