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Liz McCreadie has been a Volunteer Can Collector for almost 5 years now (started in June 2018). She is part of a team of volunteers covering various postcodes who help to build relations and bring donations into the charity collected in our distinctive Beatson yellow donation cans placed in local shops and businesses throughout Scotland.
Originally Liz covered Airdrie and Coatbridge but has expanded her area to include other areas such as Chryston, Muirhead and Condorrat. Since starting in this role she has helped bring in over £8000 which we think is applaudable. In addition to this Liz is also a weekly volunteer at our Beatson Café and still does the occasional bucket collection as well!
We invited Liz to take a break to talk to us about being a Volunteer Can Collector to let others see what this involves and maybe encourage them to consider this role if they’re thinking about volunteering.
Why did you volunteer for this role?
"I decided when I retired that I’d like to do some volunteering and noticed that Beatson Cancer Charity were looking for volunteers, so I got in touch. I tried various roles at first – bucket collections, bag packing, office administration, T shirt folding etc and then saw this role and thought I’d give it a go as it looked quite interesting."
Elizabeth McCreadie – Volunteer Can Collector
How do you find this role fits into the rest of your life?
I think it fits in around my other interests and commitments very well and is mainly based in my local area or nearby. I can do it whenever I choose, so long as I get round all the businesses on my list at least once every 3-6 months. You can go round everyone on the same day but I find it easier to split them up and do 2/3 at a time. There are some places that I have to visit more often but the longer you do this role, the more you get to know how quickly their cans fill up and how often you need to visit.
Elizabeth McCreadie – Volunteer Can Collector
Is there anything you particularly enjoy about this role?
It’s interesting all the people that you meet – the staff and customers of all the different businesses. They quickly get to know you too and instantly recognise the yellow Beatson t shirt. They are so helpful and generous and love keeping track of how much money they have raised. I also get satisfaction from seeing the overall total of how much money I have helped collect in and keeps me motivated.
Elizabeth McCreadie – Volunteer Can Collector
How do you feel this role makes a difference?
know that the funds raised through donation cans goes directly towards helping to provide vital services for cancer patients and their families. The donation cans placed in local shops and businesses also help to raise awareness of these services. When I visit I also get a chance to talk to people about what’s going on at the charity. This helps to build up a more personal connection between business supporters and their customers with the charity.
Elizabeth McCreadie – Volunteer Can Collector
Would you recommend this role to others?
