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helipad | www.daat.org
COVID
Challenges NEW Beginnings
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Devon Air Ambulance relies on over 650 loyal volunteers to support our fundraising efforts, but they have all been stood-down this past year due to the pandemic. Events have been cancelled, shops which were once vibrantly open, now closed and community talks postponed. Volunteer Manager Cara Jones tells us what our volunteers have been up to in the last year, and former DAA patient and long-standing volunteer, Richard Lappas, reflects on his lockdown journey.
I
returned to my role as Volunteer Manager in February 2021, having spent last year on maternity leave, with the desire to call each and every volunteer to check on their wellbeing. I was touched to hear so many willing volunteers just waiting for the day they will be called to action in support of Devon Air Ambulance once more. But faced with these challenging times and three separate lockdowns, our volunteers found new ways to occupy their time while they waited to be called forward once more. Some have learnt a new language or brushed up on
languages they once spoke. Our creatives took up their paintbrushes, pencils and clay and produced beautiful paintings, drawings and intricate models. Photographers captured the stunning Devon landscapes, while the avid walkers hiked. Finding jobs around the house meant lists to complete and gardens to tend too. When bubbles were introduced, families reunited, and grandchildren filled the houses with delight once more. Companions and household pets comforted people in times of isolation, neighbours helped each other and people clapped for the NHS on a Thursday night.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers for their continued support through these unprecedented times. We may not be able to be side by side at the moment, but together we can still achieve great things!
