I first became aware of Workaid when they had a stall at a classic vehicle event, one of the volunteers on the stand used to be my apprentice instructor 35 years ago, and he asked how my work was going. After joking about how valuable my training had been he said

“perhaps it’s time to put something back“.

I came for a tour of the premises and was astounded by the quality of tools and equipment and decided to do one shift a week to fit in with my work, gravitating to the heavier end of the machinery repairs. 

The volunteers come from every conceivable background, everyone has something to give and the rich mixture makes it an incredible project. I initially thought I was there to give to Workaid but I have learned a lot, made some great friends and we enjoy what we do, it’s given a lot back to me. The African projects are an eye opener and we all want to give our best for these. 

The COVID pandemic obviously hit very hard with a lot of the more vulnerable volunteers having to stay away but the time was used very constructively to reorganise departments and do some refitting work within the premises, it is now more organised than ever and a pleasure to work there. They all work as a team for the greater good.