Feedback from the First Wave of Friendship Volunteer

Jane Sterland went up to Scotland in July as the first London exchange volunteer for the Wave of Friendship to attend the People Making Waves launch event. Jane gave a talk about her experiences as a volunteer for The Big Opportunity Direct, an information service to encourage London’s community groups, voluntary organisations and charities to get involved in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Jane says “It was great to meet the staff of Volunteer Development Scotland, who made me feel so welcome, and to speak to many of the other people involved in the Wave of Friendship and the other People Making Waves activities.

“I liked the informal nature of the event, which was lively, positive and fun – especially the two performances by the break-dancers and The Big Noise children’s orchestra. I learnt a lot more about People Making Waves and felt it was a privilege to be asked to go along as the first exchange volunteer of the programme. I would certainly encourage anyone else, whether a regular volunteer already or new to volunteering, to take up this fantastic opportunity”.