December’s Volunteer of the Month is Kathleen Fleming, part of the Legal Team at Nomura, nominated for her ongoing engagement and involvement in ELBA projects.

Kathleen is not just a serial volunteer but a serial organiser of volunteer events as well, previously arranging for a group of volunteers to take part in a workshop with Providence Row Housing Association in December 2015. Continuing her engagement, Kathleen repeated a similar activity in December 2016, arranging all logistics and recruiting volunteers from Nomura’s legal team to host students from Hackney Community College. The workshop was a huge success and discussions are already underway to arrange a similar type of event in early May 2017.

Why did you volunteer?
I love volunteering with ELBA. I believe that we have a social responsibility which extends beyond our work, family and social circles. It is important to give back to society and support others who may not have had the same opportunities as us.

Why do you think volunteering is important?
Volunteering allows us to help in raising aspirations of those who may not have the opportunities to experience what we have in our careers and lives.  It is sometimes difficult to see beyond our privileged lives in the City and volunteering provides an important sense of perspective and sense of gratitude.

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and if so why?
I would encourage everyone to take the time to volunteer. We underestimate the positive and lasting effect that we can have on the lives of others.