Celebrating the Power of Community: A Day of Volunteering in Pembrokeshire

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a special event dedicated to the power of volunteering unfolded in Pembrokeshire. The Big Do, organized by the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), gathered more than 45 attendees for a day filled with impactful activities, camaraderie, and even a delightful lunch.

A Day of Uplifting Experiences

Held at The Centre in Simpson Cross during Volunteers’ Week, participants engaged in a wide array of indoor and outdoor volunteering tasks. Louise Wilkinson, senior volunteering development officer at PAVS, shared her enthusiasm about the event: "It was a lovely day and we had such a good reaction from those who came along." The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as uplifting and therapeutic.

Transforming the Community Garden

In just two hours, attendees transformed a local community garden by planting 150 wildflowers and renovating the garden's infrastructure. They painted and weatherproofed fences, cleared out sheds, and beautifully tidied the area. Indoors, participants crafted handwritten letters meant for individuals dealing with isolation, made kindness badges, and engaged in arts and crafts sessions.

Support from Local Organizations

The event thrived on support from various organizations, such as 2 Wish Cymru, the VC Gallery, and the local community group, highlighting the collaborative spirit that makes such events successful. Volunteers from The VC Gallery also prepared a flavorful curry lunch that fortified the effort of all those involved.

Looking Ahead

PAVS is grateful for the contributions that led to the day's success and is already contemplating plans for a repeat event in the future. "It just proves the feel-good factor you can get from volunteering," emphasized Ms. Wilkinson. With the warm feedback and a sense of accomplishment resonating through the community, individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to the PAVS Volunteer Centre.