Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Kirti Peeyoosh. Kirti has been involved in three of our volunteering programmes this year so was a natural choice. He regularly volunteers with Get Out, Get Active on their walking trips but has also been involved in our new Coach Parker programme. He is a regular volunteer at our neighbours, Woodhouse Moor parkrun on a Saturday morning whenever he is free!
Which volunteering programme are you on & what does your role involve?
I am involved in many volunteering programmes at the University of Leeds. I’ve been involved in lots of volunteering with Leeds Sport this academic year with Get Out Get Active (GOGA), Coach Parker, parkrun and Guide Dogs. Currently I am volunteering with GOGA which involves helping & motivating people on a local walk. Also, sometimes I volunteer with Parkrun whenever I am free on a Saturday.
How much time do you commit to volunteering per week and how do you manage this alongside your studies?
It’s depends on which weekend trips I get allocated to by the GOGA activators. It’s not easy to manage everything on time, sometimes it’s hard to keep up but other times everything goes so smooth and easy. It really helps me to develop and enhance my time management, communication and leadership skills. Usually I volunteer on a whole day at the weekend so it’s not that hard to keep up with everything.
What made you want to volunteer?
I have been an active volunteer with GOGA since I arrived at university. I am always excited to be working in a team, meeting new people and motivating them to stay fit and active and take care of their health. Also, I really enjoy going on a walk myself and travelling around.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
There are so many great things about volunteering! I have met so many new people and friends through GOGA. It also helps in enhancing your confidence and skills. Working with other volunteers and activators has helped me to bring out the best of myself.
What are the challenges?
It can sometimes get a bit frustrating trying to manage all participants, asking them to walk on a right path and follow precautions and manage my volunteering along my studies but it always makes me feel better and definitely getting easier with practice.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Definitely I would recommend volunteering to others as it’s a great experience and also improves your skills . This will help me lot in the future.
How does it feel to win Volunteer of the Month?
SO HAPPY, it shows I am being recognised as a volunteer. It has encouraged me to do more as well as invite others to do volunteering. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Abi Ross, GOGA Activator said;
“Kirti has been a huge help to the GOGA programme, extremely friendly and happy to help wherever he is needed. We are very lucky to have him as a volunteer and I’m sure all of the participants enjoy having him on the walks too!”
Helen Pepper, GOGA Project Lead commented;
“We are continually impressed by the resourcefulness and generosity of GOGA volunteers. Kirti exemplifies the contribution made by them in providing access to the countryside and wild places for people who may never have been on this kind of walk before. And in making it fun!”
If you are interested in finding out more, check out all of our volunteering opportunities.
