Two stalwart volunteers who work at the NCBI shop in Wicklow town have today been presented with achievement certificates at a lunch in the charity HQ.
Anne Looby and Ann Gerety both of whom live in Wicklow, have been volunteering with the NCBI for an impressive 27 odd years between them.
Speaking at a lunch to celebrate some of NCBI’s 700 strong volunteer force , Finbarr Roche , Head of Property and Retail with the NCBI said that without their help the “NCBI simply couldn’t open its doors. You are the lifeblood of the NCBI, you keep the wheels moving. Not only do you give your time, energy and skills for free, you bring a whole new level of enthusiasm and dedication to our organisation. We are totally indebted to you all, and NCBI is able to do what it does as a result of your generosity”.
For their part, the two ladies both said that working for the NCBI is “A pleasure and a joy and we get back so much more than we give”.
Long time volunteer Anne Looby who has been with the shop from day one said “I am literally part of the furniture at NCBI now as I am there for over twenty years. I love it. We are a great team and there is a wonderful sense of camaraderie and togetherness. We are all in it for the same reason, to help people with sight loss. NCBI is a tremendous charity, it’s hard working and dedicated and I am just happy that I can play my small part ”.
Working as a hairdresser for many years gave Ann Geraty a love for dealing with the public, skills she has transferred to her role as a volunteer with NCBI retail.
“I stepped back from Hairdressing and I was just looking for something to do. My Sister was already in the NCBI and she said they were looking for volunteers and that was it, I got hooked!. We are a lovely circle, workers, volunteers , donors and customers and there is a lovely sense that we are all in it for the benefit of NCBI”.
Both ladies agree that volunteering with the charity gives them a sense of purpose and enriches their lives, as well as providing endless laughs and fun.
“We all look forward to going in, our Manager Sharon O’ Connor is fantastic and it’s a joy heading into work, we’d recommend it to anybody”.
