Jenny's Story

Jenny Thomson
Scots Law LLB, 3rd year, Volunteer for Mary's Meals + Strath Union, Welcome Team 2021

Started volunteering in May 2020 (approx) & have been doing so ever since (ongoing)

NB: Before Mary’s Meals I had done volunteering previously with local music programmes (since around 2016) & playgroups but Mary’s Meals/the Union is a far bigger opportunity where we get to lead, rather than only assisting the group leaders etc.

I decided to volunteer because I wanted to do something good, I wanted to be able to make a difference. Mary’s Meals is a charity that started just outside my hometown of Oban & was always a big part of my life in school- but it wasn’t until University that I realised how incredible the work Mary’s Meals does is & the impact it has. From the Strath Union aspect, I wanted to meet new people, build my confidence, plus gain some experience for my CV.

My experience has been amazing. I started out just as the Strath Mary’s Meals Society committee secretary, & I'm now Vice President of the Society & a Lead Volunteer for Mary’s Meals: I led the Backpack Project for our Society in which we managed to get 50 backpacks filled with stationary, clothes & hygiene items to send to children in Malawi- that was WAY more than we had thought we could get. We’ve managed to really grow our society & build a wee community during lockdown- as well as sponsor a Mary’s Meals school- which I just love. My confidence has grown so much, I’ve learned loads, & it’s been so much fun as well. Overall, it’s just an amazing chance to do some cool things, meet the loveliest people, & get to make change.

The Welcome Team was so much fun &, again, helped me meet so many awesome people & build my confidence.