New volunteers needed in Flint to help RNLI save lives at sea

The RNLI is looking for new fund-raising volunteers to join its lifesaving crew at the Flint branch.

Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team need a dedicated volunteer crew. Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of its people. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them, the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea.

But it’s not all about volunteering on lifeboats or at a station, there are many other ways people can give a little or a lot of their time to support the RNLI and make their own lifesaving difference.

Samantha Morton-Roberts, fundraising secretary of Flint RNLI, explains the breadth of events she has helped support, from the station’s popular dog show to 999 days. She has fond memories of her first day volunteering:

‘From the moment I arrived at the station, I couldn't have been made more welcome. The station manager tossed me a t-shirt and I was sent with another volunteer to run the raffle stall. The feeling of family was instant and I had never laughed so much.  Meeting new people and hearing stories of how the crew had helped them or a family member was fantastic.’

Sam’s son James is a full-time RNLI employee helping ensure the lifeboats around the Wales, West and Isle of Man region are ready to answer emergency calls. He is also helm at Flint Lifeboat Station and wife Aby is shore crew. Samantha adds:

‘Fundraising for the RNLI has given me so much. I have nothing but true admiration for the volunteer crew, putting their lives on hold as soon as the pager goes off to rush to save a stranger's life and get them home safe to their family.  It has given me a second family, a fantastic social scene, it has taught me new skills and made me a part of the local community.  You can’t compare the feeling of knowing that every penny you raise is going towards saving someone's life and you are an integral part of the team to achieve this.

‘I would thoroughly recommend volunteering with the RNLI either as crew or fundraising. Being part of one crew couldn't be better, knowing that your efforts help save lives at sea.’

Nick Evans RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead said:

‘Without our volunteers, the RNLI simply would not be able to operate the way it does today. With 92% of the RNLI’s income coming from donations, the charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds. Thousands of community fundraising volunteers organise a wide range of activities and events each year, contributing their time, energy and skills to raise money to save lives at sea. Some of our fundraisers have been volunteering for many years while some just join us for a few months in the year depending on what their commitments allow.

‘We now really need to bolster that support and grow our volunteer fundraising crew. If you like to have fun, enjoy meeting new people and want to join a motivated and enthusiastic team, we encourage you to find out more and apply. You will learn new skills, gain experience and have the rewarding satisfaction of giving back. The RNLI will also provide all the necessary training and support so you can carry out your chosen role effectively.’

To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI, or to apply, click on this link:

http://www.rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers

Pictured - Samantha with the RNLI’s mascot Stormy Stan and Mayor of Flint Cllr Michelle Perfect.