Celebrating Volunteers

Today was not just about carriage driving — it was much more.

Margot shared these lovely words about the volunteers who make Manx Carriage Driving for the Disabled possible:

“We could not do what we do if it weren’t for our wonderful volunteers.

Volunteers play an especially significant role in supporting our organisation and the wider community. Their time, energy, kindness and willingness to help make a real difference.

The certificate awards today were a special opportunity to say thank you and acknowledge some of our super family of volunteers, and recognise the years of service and hard work they have given so far — one year, five years, and two more of our ladies have now reached ten years, not far behind the founder members. Some of the other volunteers you see here today have also reached five years of service over the last year.

The young lady in the carriage is such an inspiration. She started carriage driving a couple of years ago and has progressed through Horse Care and Proficiency Carriage Driving grades to also becoming a volunteer a year ago. She assists with cleaning harness, along with other skills and helping with fundraising, and she is also an Ambassador for MCD4D.

Another presentation today, and two more deserving recognition certificates — a ten-year certificate for Carolyn and a one-year certificate for Nathan. Congratulations to you both!

I think our Equine Gaffa thought he was getting one too, but no — he has to wait another couple of months!

May we say a massive thank you to each and every one of our volunteers.”

A lovely reminder that organisations like Manx Carriage Driving for the Disabled are built on people giving their time, skills and enthusiasm, often quietly and over many years.  Congratulations to everyone recognised, and thank you to all of the volunteers who continue to make such a difference.