RNLI fundraising volunteers needed in Dorset to help save lives at sea

Just like the charity's lifeboats, the RNLI need a dedicated fundraising crew in Dorset

Author: Jamie GuerraPublished 6th Mar 2023

The RNLI is looking for “dedicated” fundraising volunteers to join its lifesaving crew in Dorset.

Volunteers make up 95% of the charity’s workforce and are considered the heart of the RNLI, without them “the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea,” the charity said.

Chris Copeland (pictured above) the branch chair at RNLI Sherborne, said: "I get tremendous satisfaction from knowing that my RNLI branch in Sherborne has raised funds that are helping to save lives.”

Mr Copeland is also part of the fundraising committee and has raised a total of £84,000 from sponsored tandem skydive jumps over the years and he doesn’t plan on stopping.

He said: “I’m planning my 800th jump to celebrate my 80th birthday next year.”

Weymouth Lifeboat

However, he assured us not all fundraising volunteers have to be part of the fundraising committee.

Thousands of community fundraising volunteers simply organise a range of activities and events, they contribute their time, energy and skills to raise money.

92% of the charity's income comes from donations.

Dave Nicoll, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead said:

“The charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds.”

Volunteers are “ordinary people who do extraordinary things” and in the role they have the “rewarding satisfaction of giving back.”

Mr Nicoll continued: ‘We need to bolster 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.”

No prior fundraising experience is required and plenty of help will be given to those who wish to join.

Mr Copeland added: “If you’re unsure about joining, just give it a go and see how you get on. If things don’t work out or it’s just not right for you, you can stop at any time.”

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