A teenager has become the 800th volunteer signed up by the Douglas-based charity CIRCA.
Since its establishment in 1994 it has provided volunteers for more than 90 local charities.
CIRCA (Centre for Information Resource Care and Assistance) performs a three-fold function. It recruits volunteers for local organisations and also produces a database of Isle of Man charities that is sent to relevant government departments, other charities, businesses, doctors’ surgeries, the Welcome Centre and the prison and probation services. Thirdly, through its Shopmobility scheme, CIRCA provides wheelchairs, scooters and other disability aids for anyone wishing to shop.
The 800th volunteer, Emma Short – a 16-year-old student at Ballakermeen High School in Douglas – attended a presentation in the Chester Street offices of the charity where she received flowers and a voucher from Margaret Brown, one of CIRCA’s directors, to mark the occasion.
‘It is great when people are willing to volunteer and particularly gratifying when busy teenagers like Emma are prepared to give up some of their time,’ said Mrs Brown.
‘Volunteers are invaluable in helping so many of the island’s charities enhance the lives of others.’
Although Emma is involved in many after-school activities she decided she wanted to do some charitable work. Her mother told her about CIRCA and Emma went along to discuss the possibilities with centre coordinator Maureen Crawford. The result was that she has been helping out at OXFAM on Saturdays.
CIRCA was the brainchild of physiotherapist Roger Waterworth who realised the valuable role such an organisation could play in the life of the island. He was chairman from its inception until stepping down at the recent annual meeting on reaching his 80th birthday. Wife Christine also played a major role as its long-serving secretary.