Kate Seddon, Head of Data Operations at Liberty Specialty Markets, tells us why she volunteers, explaining that volunteering is a way to re-ground oneself, to ensure that we remember all the things that we’re lucky to have and might otherwise take for granted. Read on to hear about Kate’s experience of volunteering and what she’s gained from it.

Why do you volunteer?
I like to make a difference. On a day-to-day basis we can become ungrateful and overlook the simple things we take for granted. Volunteering is an opportunity to re-ground myself and remember that the “modern conveniences” and basic items for others are luxuries, and we need to be appreciative and grateful daily for what we have.

What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
I’ve gained a new perspective. Volunteering provides an opportunity to step back and look at things differently, understanding an entirely different way of life. I’ve volunteered in several places over the years, and a number of these have been via ELBA – the opportunities that this brings to really feel that you are making a difference and being able to reach out to the communities local to where you live or work is important. Seeing the benefit you bring by completing one of the challenges, and the sheer reward the team feel at the end of the day. When you return year-on-year and people recognise you and you can see the transformation in some of these places – whether it’s a local park, homeless shelter or food hub – the progress and support that volunteering brings allows these places to remain viable for the people that need them the most. An ELBA team challenge can just put a new spin on it to make the most out of your time giving back, and also ensure that the local communities that we help truly get the assistance from you that they need on the day!

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and, if so, why?
Volunteering for people less fortunate, or just wanting to give something back to the community, is a reward unto itself. You just don’t know when there is going to come a time that you’re going to need this support and, as so many of us know, life can turn upside down in a matter of moments, so knowing that if I give back while I have the chance to, it gives me the hope should I ever need it.