Talented PCP Volunteer Sheila Taylor gives something back to her sweet-toothed donators by baking cakes in return for sponsorship.
Sheila first became involved with Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) when she attended a Colour your Life art course at the Pioneering Care Centre.
She enjoyed having the opportunity to be creative whilst meeting new people.
Being a skilled crafter and compassionate she began helping others in the group who were lacking in confidence.
PCP soon snapped her up as a volunteer and she now supports the drop in art group every Monday 10am-12noon.
Sheila does a great deal to help many people in her local community and PCP are pleased to pass on her achievements.
Sheila says: “Acting as a volunteer gives me a lot of pleasure. I enjoy getting to know the members of the Colour your Life group and supporting them with their chosen art and craft work.
“It also means I can offer them a listening ear when times are tough as well as sharing in their good news.
“This year I have also been fundraising for a number of charities as part of my own personal challenges. These have included a 25 mile hike along Hadrian’s Wall for Macmillan and a 5k Pretty Muddy Challenge for Cancer Research and in October I will be taking part in an 8k memory walk in South Shields for the Alzheimer’s society.
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“I always feel uncomfortable asking people to sponsor me so I thought I would make cakes and sell them. I am part of a small singing group who meet at Greenfield School so I started there.
“My singing friends were very enthusiastic to help me while enjoying the cakes they purchased. Then I wondered if my friends from Colour your Life would assist. After checking that I could do this, I brought in sample cakes and sold them for a donation by the slice.
“This was the beginning of a successful and popular fundraiser. I have been referred to as “the cake lady” many times!”
‘Buy the Slice’ has now become an expected element to the Colour your Life Monday group.
To date Sheila has raised £215 from this venture alone but collectively raised £310 for Macmillan and £170 for Cancer Research.
For further information about volunteering opportunities or the Colour your Life project contact the Pioneering Care Centre, Carer’s Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4SF tel: 01325 321234 email: [email protected] website: www.pcp.uk.net.
Or find PCP on Twitter: @PioneeringCare and Facebook: /PCPandCentre