CLAN says thank you to Vera for 25 years of volunteering
A north-east woman who has chalked up over two decades of volunteering for a leading cancer support charity has had her service recognised at a special tea party in Aberdeen.
Vera McAllan initially started volunteering for CLAN Cancer Support in 1989 at the charity’s first centre and shop on Justice Mill Lane. After a stint at the charity’s shop on Summer Street, Vera moved to CLAN’s busy Chapel Street shop and will now retire this month after clocking up 25 years of service for the charity.
This incredible commitment has seen Vera become CLAN’s longest serving volunteer and the charity has said thank you for her support with a presentation and tea party at CLAN House in Aberdeen.
CLAN offers a wide range of various volunteer roles across its bases in north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, helping to provide free support services to anyone affected by cancer across these areas.
Debbie Thomson, CLAN’s chief executive, has thanked Vera for her exceptional support of the charity. She said: “Vera’s help and passion for volunteering over the last 25 years is incredible and I’m delighted to be able to mark this with a presentation and tea party to say thank you for all her hard work.
“Vera will be dearly missed by all the staff and those who visit our Chapel Street Shop on a regular basis as she was such a well-known and friendly face.”
“Our volunteers are very much at the heart of CLAN and the work they carry out is invaluable to what we do. Vera is a shining example of how people can give up their spare time for CLAN and the benefits that this can bring to those all across the north-east.”
Vera McAllan added: “When I first started volunteering for CLAN back in 1989, I never envisaged continuing to do it for so long but I’m really happy I have as it’s a very worthwhile charity that helps so many people across Aberdeen and beyond.
“During my time with CLAN, I helped by sorting out the donations to the shop and it really was incredible to see the range of items that were handed in. It was heartening to see the people of Aberdeen and the surrounding area support the shops on a regular basis and I’d encourage anyone who as any unwanted gifts and clothes to pass them on to the charity as I know it would be greatly appreciated by so many.
“I’ve made some really good friends during my very enjoyable time with CLAN and I will miss everyone dearly now that I’ve retired. Volunteering is a worthwhile hobby and I would recommend it to anyone with time to spare. It’s a good feeling to be able to give something back.
“CLAN has been an incredibly important part of my life and I will look back on my time volunteering with many fond memories. It’s been a lovely 25 year association with the charity and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness. Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org
