The most valued thing we can give someone is our time
By Eleanor Yates
Feb 15th 2018Time — as well as money — is one of the things we most often say we need more of. This I understand all too well, what with my lengthy daily commute to and from work and life’s other commitments. It’s one of the reasons I was especially interested when I heard we were teaming up with Benefacto — a volunteering scheme that pairs companies up with local charities. Each of us are allowed two working days a year to volunteer for the various opportunities Benefacto offer, allowing me the time to get involved in something I’ve always been interested in. As soon as the first opportunity came up, three colleagues and I jumped at the chance! We signed up for the Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers to assist with a carnival-themed tea party for elderly and disabled people — those who don’t often get a chance to get out and socialise. The brief was simple: we were to help set up and decorate, greet and mix with guests, and serve food and drinks. What we hadn’t realised was just how enjoyable the time would be.