On Tuesday 3rd December, the warehouse hosted Changing Lives’ annual volunteer Christmas buffet as a 'thank you' to all of our amazing volunteers for the hard work and dedication they have exhibited throughout 2024.

With a beautiful buffet, organized and prepared by Rowena, Liam and Gill, the gathering represented an opportunity for volunteers who work across our four locations to come together to share their stories and celebrate another successful year in the life of Changing Lives, whilst also enjoying a lovely spread.

In addition, there was an opportunity for those who fancied testing out their vocal chords to join in the communal singing of some traditional Christmas carols in the warehouse workshop, which had been decked out with some very pretty fairy lights. Movingly introduced by Hasina (our Volunteer Plus Manager) and ably assisted by Graham on accordion, all present were treated to glorious renditions of “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” amongst others.

So, a big thank you to Rowena, Liam and Gill for organizing the buffet (pictured here with their ‘thank you’ poinsettias), to Graham for his wonderful musical accompaniment, our trustee Jenny for suggesting the carols and Hasina for making the workshop look Christmassy and leading the singing.

As 2024 draws to a close we give thanks to all who make Changing Lives such a success - in particular our wonderful volunteers - and will leave you with a few words from our CEO, Ian Burnham:  

“The Charity is so blessed and grateful to benefit from the dedication of our VOLUNTEERS. We couldn’t do this without them. Thanks and very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year”