Ten lucky Edinburgh applicants have won a place on the Vodafone World of Difference UK programme. Over 11,000 people registered interest for the programme, which is delivered by the Vodafone Foundation, with 500 people from across the UK about to start work for a charity of their choice and get paid for it. All volunteers will begin their new roles in March.
One of the winners is Robert Jones, who will spend two months working for BCTV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) Scotland, a charity which provides training and support to help people get involved in community environmental and conservation projects. The charity has an Edinburgh branch.
Robert said: “I’m really excited to have this opportunity with BTCV Scotland through the World of Difference Programme. They do fantastic work for the local community and the environment and I’m looking forward to help continue to build on some amazing projects.”
Sarah Forster and Jonathan Watler will work with the Cyrenians, an Edinburgh-based charity that works to create opportunities for disadvantaged people by offering effective and lasting routes out of homelessness and promoting social inclusion.
Karol Bartusiak is going to Edinburgh Young Carers, a voluntary organisation working with and on behalf of young carers throughout the Edinburgh region.
Stewart MacLachlan will be spending eight weeks at the Scottish Child Law Centre (SCLC), a charity that works to help children and young people, their families and carers, and professionals working for and with children by providing free expert legal advice and information.
Sarah Nisbet will be working with Marie Curie Cancer Care, who provide nursing care, to terminally ill people, giving them the chance to choose to be cared for at home.
Simon Gray will work with World Vision UK, a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
Mercy-Esther Mhoja will be at anti-racism charity Score Scotland, a voluntary organisation serving the minority ethnic communities in the West of Edinburgh. The organisation strives to eliminate racism in our society by working for and with those who are affected by racial discrimination.
Ruth Barrie will go to the Pregnancy and Parents Centre in Edinburgh, a charity that provides classes, information and support for women and their partners before and after childbirth.
Meanwhile, Harry Giles is going to Forest, a local community arts and social centre. If you have been following the local news then you will know that Forest Cafe has been under threat recently leading to a campaign to Save the Forest Cafe. They still need to raise £500,000 to buy their property at 3 Bristo Place and you can donate by Paypal to their cause.
This is the second year that the Vodafone Foundation has delivered a UK World of Difference programme, giving 500 people the chance to make a difference. Last year, charities from all corners of the UK benefited and a massive 60 per cent of those who took part have stayed connected to their charity, giving the UK’s third sector much needed support.
The Vodafone World of Difference programme is open to anyone over 18 in the UK who has the passion, drive and commitment to donate themselves to a charity. Taking part involved finding the right charity to suit their interests, skills and experience. For further information please go to the website You can also join the World of Difference Facebook fan page or follow the campaign on Twitter
