Volunteers Week
We currently involve 70 volunteers across the organisation, all based here in the UK. Shared Interest could not make the impact we do without the support of these dedicated individuals. From inspiring others to invest by delivering talks and running stalls, to translating our website so we can communicate better with our customers, our volunteers really do make a big difference.
Liseth Galvis
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
Because I had interest in Fairtrade products and Fairtrade organisations. Also, because I admire the impact of Shared Interest in the developing world.
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
Means support to the poorest in developing countries and opportunities of developing new skills for people that lack resources.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
I enjoy to increase my knowledge about Fairtrade and be able to tell people that ethical investment is possible.
Which Shared Interest customer story do you most like sharing?
Coffee farmers in Peru. I think the impact in the community is great.
What is your favourite fair trade product?
My favourite product is coffee because I love it and it is typical from my country.
Peter Freeman
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
To continue being involved with Shared Interest
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
A strong social impact for UK investors
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
Seeing and hearing people develop an interest in SI
Which Shared Interest customer story do you most like sharing?
The story of Brazil nuts – Candela
What is your favourite fair trade product?
Janet Wells
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
Because the objectives of SI are so necessary and important for the world
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
An opportunity to take positive and effective action against the inequalities of the world.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
The hope that what one does is making a difference
What is your favourite fair trade product?
Fudge!
Ben Quashie
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
They uphold fair trade principles
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
Helping farmers and artisans trade their way out of poverty
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
Helping at stalls and talking about what Shared Interest stands for
Which Shared Interest customer story do you most like sharing?
What is your favourite fair trade product?
Ruth and Mike Holmes
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
Chance to use various skills for an organisation that wasn’t a registered charity
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
An organisation that is investing in the long-term growth of small-scale businesses in developing countries. An opportunity for us to invest money that is making a difference.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
Chance to volunteer together, in a way that fits in with other commitments, and brings a practical benefit. (We both found it very motivating that 12% of investors have come from volunteer contacts.)
Which Shared Interest customer story do you most like sharing?
We like the story about the producers who needed equipment to enable them to grow more bananas and get them to market - CEPIBO
What is your favourite fair trade product?
Café Direct coffee (both caffeine and decaffeinated)
Corinne Morniroli
Why did you begin volunteering with Shared Interest?
I have a background in languages learning and teaching. I just want to make a difference by using my abilities and some of my time to help others.
What does Shared Interest mean to you?
For me, Shared Interest means a fair and helping hand for farmers and communities to improve their life.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
Reading about what is happening in countries I’m interesting in and the results of Shared Interest’s actions in these countries. You also learn a lot about topics you knew nothing about like growing cocoa!
What is your favourite fair trade product?
Chocolate! And coffee as my partner is from Colombia!