MAE Care – Celebrating 25 years of dedicated Volunteering Service

It is with gratitude and admiration that we celebrate the 25-year volunteering anniversaries of two exceptional individuals at MAECare, Christine Norwood on June 16th, 2024, and Alan Swift on October 8th, 2024.

Christine Norwood

Until recently, Christine balanced her time between working at a local school, Sainsbury’s, and volunteering with the Luncheon Club at Moortown Baptist Church, alongside her enduring commitment to MAECare.  Additionally, she participated in a Scottish Dance Group, showcasing her vibrant and multifaceted life.

Christine’s journey with MAECare began when her friend Chris suggested she volunteer in her spare time. Starting in the back room of St. Stephen’s Church, she fondly recalled working through several Volunteer Coordinators before the office moved to Northcall. Her initial role as a Volunteer Car Driver quickly expanded to include a variety of tasks such as helping with Companions in Concerts, Shopping, Friendly Visiting, Walking Buddy, Newsletter Deliveries, the Gardening Project, and numerous outings to locations like Bridlington, Southport, a River Cruise, and Helmsley.

Christine’s passion for meeting and engaging with people is evident as she shared, with a smile, how much joy it brings her. Adding to her impressive list of contributions, Christine is also a dedicated blood donor, having made a remarkable 287 donations. Her latest endeavour involves assisting refugees at the Conversation Club and English Class in the Cathedral Hall every Thursday. Christine’s dedication and generosity have significantly enriched our community. Her enthusiasm and kindness are invaluable.

Alan Swift

Alan informed Baksh MAE Care’s Project Worker – Volunteer Coordinator, that he previously served as a Civil Servant and, while still employed, sought to contribute to the local community. He began volunteering as a Car Driver for MAECAre on November 5, 1999. In addition to this role, he has taken part in Companions in Concert by documenting the minutes of monthly meetings and has been involved with Sporting Memories. He occasionally attends the Wednesday Drop-in and helps distribute MAECare newsletters.

Moreover, Alan volunteers with the Civil Services Pensioners’ Alliance and Leeds Civic Trust during Heritage Open Days, as well as with the Civil Service Motoring Association, now known as “Boundless,” where he serves on the local Leeds Group committee. When asked about his motivation for volunteering, Alan remarked, “It keeps me active and engaged. I enjoy meeting and conversing with people.” When Baksh inquired how he manages to juggle so many commitments, Alan chuckled and said, “I’m a bit of a volunteer nerd – I love volunteering!” To anyone hesitant about volunteering, he advised, “Just give it a try; you won’t know until you do.” Alan has a diverse taste in music, enjoying both Classical and Progressive Rock. He is also an active member of Leeds U3A (University of the Third Age), participating in various interest groups.

MAE Care would like to say a big thank you to both Christine and Alan for the service and time they have both given to our organisation.  It is a great support to both our organisation and the people we support.