Hi Sunshine News Readers, we hope you are well. This week marks Volunteers' Week, an annual UK-wide campaign celebrating the selfless efforts of individuals and organisations who dedicate their time and skills to help charities. At The Sunshine Fund, we are proud to offer various volunteering opportunities throughout the year, supported by a range of volunteers from our supporters, local businesses, and families of the children we assist with specialist equipment.
Volunteering Opportunities
Our opportunities mainly come from fundraising events, which rely on strong volunteer teams. Roles include bucket collecting, behind-the-scenes work at black-tie events, setup, and assistance on the night. This also includes our Santa Bus initiative with Stagecoach, a free, accessible grotto in the city centre, made possible by Stagecoach and their staff who volunteer during the festive period.
Sunshine Run 5k
Our next opportunity is in two weeks. We need volunteers to marshal our Sunshine Run 5k on Wednesday, June 17, from 6pm on Newcastle Quayside. We have two spots to fill. Help keep the event safe, ensure runners follow the route, and cheer them on. Sign up at https://bit.ly/sr-vols.
This year marks 23 years of the Sunshine Run. For the first time, we invite schools to participate in the 'Sunshine Mile' during the day—a 1-mile circular walk along the Quayside, over the Swing Bridge and Millennium Bridge. Children will receive a certificate and goodie bag. This free initiative encourages each child to raise at least £5 to support disabled children. Volunteers from Accenture, Sage, and individuals will help keep school groups on track and assist with daytime setup.
Equipment Panel
We also use volunteers for our equipment panel, which reviews applications to ensure items are suitable for each child's needs. The panel includes paediatricians, teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists who offer their expertise.
If you want to become a volunteer, sign up for our mailing list at www.thesunshinefund.org/volunteer. Other ways to support include following us on social media (@sunshinefund on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), attending events, sponsoring events, donating prizes, or hosting your own fundraiser. Email hello@thesunshinefund.org for more information.
Thank you for reading! Sophie x
