Celebrating Volunteers’ Week at MRO

Jun 6, 2025

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time – they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re taking a moment to shine a bright light on the incredible people who give their time, talents and hearts to Moray Reach Out. From helping in our social enterprises to sharing laughter and kindness with our trainees, our volunteers are truly at the heart of everything we do.

Since 1984, Volunteers’ Week has been a nationwide celebration of the fantastic contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK. Here at MRO, we couldn’t agree more – our volunteers bring energy, compassion and joy into every corner of our projects. 💜

But don’t just take it from us! We asked some of our volunteers two simple questions:

How long have you been with us, and What do you enjoy most at Moray reach out?

Here’s what they had to say:

🗣️ Linda D.
“I have been volunteering with MRO for approx. 8 years. I enjoy helping trainees (when I can) and enjoy the company and helping customers.”

🗣️ Alison G.
“I started volunteering about 9 years ago. I enjoy supporting and spending time with trainees.”

🗣️ Sheila M.
“I am with MRO 3 years. I started volunteering because I feel everyone should volunteer if they can. The best part is teaching the trainees the skills I like doing.”

🗣️ Lilian M.
“I have been volunteering with MRO for 10 years and enjoy helping and supporting the trainees.”

🗣️ Christine M.
“I have been volunteering with MRO for just over 3 years and I enjoy the company and helping people.”

🗣️ Lynda S.
“I started volunteering about 4 years ago. I really enjoy helping the trainees to work on their projects and to help them learn new skills.”

🗣️ Margaret T.
“I have been with MRO for 10 years and enjoy working with the trainees.”

🗣️ Janet W.
“I volunteered with MRO for 10 years. I started as I was friends with Susan & Sheila who ran Buckie Yarns at the time. I most enjoy working with the trainees and encouraging them to produce high standards in crafts.”

🗣️ Mo W.
“I’ve been working for MRO for 16 years. I started because I wasn’t in a good place, with one thing and another, and just wanted to meet and help other people in the same kind of position. I enjoy the interaction with the young adults, watching them grow as people, and helping them with projects and just seeing them happy.”

Every quote above reflects the warmth, commitment and heart that make MRO such a special place. Our volunteers don’t just support our mission – they live it, every day, in big and small ways.

💜 A Message from Our Board and Leadership Team

“On behalf of the MRO Board and Leadership Team, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you do.

Your hard work, dedication, and kind spirit make such a difference in the lives of our trainees and the wider MRO community.

You are an essential part of our mission – helping adults with disabilities gain a real sense of purpose and pride by providing them with a safe space to grow and achieve.

We couldn’t do it without you, and we are so grateful to have you by our side as we continue to grow and make a positive impact together.”
– Shona Radojkovic

💬 Thinking of joining us?

We’re always looking for new volunteers to come along and be part of the MRO family. If you’ve got a little time, a big heart, and want to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 https://morayreachout.org.uk/vacancies/
Your time could change lives – including your own.

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #MorayReachOut #VolunteerWithUs #CommunitySpirit