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The Jewish Chronicle

Volunteer of the week: Bernice Polli

Jewish Care Scotland

June 25, 2009 10:05
bernice

By

Anonymous,

Anonymous

1 min read

The retired secretary has volunteered for 46 years for the Jewish Blind Society (Scotland), which works in partnership with Jewish Care Scotland. She is honorary vice-chair of the JBS, and transport and welfare convenor for its Sunday Club

Why Jewish Care Scotland?
My cousin and her husband encouraged me to come along on a Sunday to the then Board of Guardians rooms on Thistle Street where about nine members met for tea and a chat. Numbers quickly rose to about 40 blind and partially-sighted people. My first job was pouring tea. The club now has about 30 attendees and is run at the JCS’s Walton Centre.

What does your current volunteering role involve?
I usually come in three days a week. I organise the transport for club members, undertake home visits or take people out shopping and to the library. The Blind Society has expanded its remit to include care for people with special needs and I arrange grants for people who need help.

What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
I get real satisfaction from taking people out. I know they need me as I help them keep a bit of independence. Volunteering has become part of my life.