Recognising the outstanding efforts from Big Hearts Volunteers

Today, Tuesday 20 April 2021 is Volunteer Recognition Day! On this occasion, our Volunteer Development Officer Pauline Fraser would like to share a special message. 

When I joined Big Hearts in January 2020, little did I know what the next 14 months would really look like. Overseeing our distinguished volunteer programme during a pandemic seemed quite the challenge…

Then came along the calls, emails and kind offers of help from our incredible community of supporters. In the space of three weeks after the start of Covid-19, we had already set up courtesy calls to thousands of older Hearts fans, started to build a new reminiscence project and teamed up with the Club to feed homeless groups across Scotland. 

In the most uncertain and difficult times, Big Hearts Volunteers stood up to work alongside our small staff team and answer to the most urgent needs of vulnerable people. I knew by then that all would be fine! 

Whilst Covid-19 turned lives upside down, Big Hearts supported over 8,000 adults and children in the community. An increase of 200% from the year before! There is no doubt that our volunteers play a vital role in who we are and what we do as a small yet ambitious charity.

So today I want to take the time to say thank you. A massive thank you for being involved in our projects throughout the year, for using your days off to lend us a hand at the Stadium or for committing a few hours per month to volunteer from your home.

We value your hard work and all your support is always greatly appreciated. Over the past year, it’s been a pleasure to get to see some of you over Zoom or chat from a distance at the Stadium. As the restrictions progressively ease I look forward to being able to catch up with you all in person!

There’s a lot of reasons to be excited about the coming months. 

Our Volunteer programme, a pioneering initiative in Scottish football, is in the process of receiving its second Investing in Volunteer award! This accreditation recognises the high standard of the project and the outstanding impact of our volunteers in the community.

I am also looking into the best and safest way to start our volunteer celebrations again! You are long due an invitation to join other supporters for a relaxed event at the Stadium. Stay tuned…

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Stay safe, 
Pauline Fraser
Volunteer Development Officer
Big Hearts Community Trust