Make changing lives your New Year's resolution

Kathy Bailey with her son

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2010? Kathy Bailey from Chipping Sodbury is encouraging the local people of South Gloucestershire and Bristol to make it fundraising.

'Raising money for Macmillan is such a rewarding thing to do. Fundraising locally creates a wonderful community spirit and I’ve met so many new and inspiring people along the way. I am starting up a Fundraising Group in Chipping Sodbury and would love as many people as possible to join. You can do as little or as much as you like!' 
Kathy Bailey

Giving a little of your time to help people affected by cancer will not only enable Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the lives of the two million people living with the illness by providing them with vital care and support, it can also make a real difference to you. Here are five good reasons why:

• Volunteering increases your own satisfaction with life. Research shows that by focusing on the needs of others, you’ll also increase your own sense of wellbeing. Volunteering can help reduce the risk of depression and improve your physical and mental well-being.
• You’ll meet new and inspiring people and will be part of a team that values and appreciates your skills and contribution.
• You’ll gain new skills, helping you get that job you want.
• You can do more of what you enjoy – whether it’s organising events, meeting people, doing public speaking, helping to run an office or helping out at local events.
• Last, but probably most importantly, you’ll know you’re making a difference: One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer and all of us know someone it affects. By volunteering for Macmillan you’ll help us to reach cancer patients and their loved ones with the information, care and support they need

All ideas are welcome. Contact the Bristol Fundraising Office on 0117 9670975 for more information.

Macmillan fundraising manager Anna Cairns for Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire, said:

'I can’t emphasise enough how great fundraising and volunteering can be. That’s how I started in the charity sector. It’s so rewarding and not only do you gain brilliant experience, but you meet some amazing people, who not only become friends but very helpful contacts professionally! 

'Kathy has got some fantastic ideas and is hugely motivated to make her fundraising group work. She’s wonderful to work with so if anyone would like to help her, please contact me on 0117 9670975.'

Fundraising Groups are essential for Macmillan. Not only do they bring in a huge amount of income for us, but they spread the word about what we do. Every year there are 11,000 people diagnosed with cancer in our area and Macmillan wants to reach all of them to at least offer them help.