A 16 year-old pupil at Ballakermeen High School has become the 800th volunteer signed up by the Douglas-based charity CIRCA. Since its establishment in 1994 it has provided volunteers for over ninety local charities.
CIRCA performs a three-fold function. It recruits volunteers for local organisations and also produces a database of Isle of Man charities which is sent to relevant government departments, other charities, businesses, doctors' surgeries, the Welcome Centre and the prison and probation services. Thirdly, through its Shopmobility scheme, CIRCA provides wheelchairs, scooters and other disability aids for anyone wishing to shop in the Island's capital and also for use elsewhere.
The 800th volunteer, Emma Short, attended a presentation in the Chester Street offices of the charity where she received flowers and a voucher from Margaret Brown, one of CIRCA's directors, to mark the occasion. Said Mrs Brown: 'It is great when people are willing to volunteer and particularly gratifying when busy teenagers like Emma are prepared to give up some of their time. Volunteers are invaluable in helping so many of the Island's charities enhance the lives of others.'
Although Emma is involved in many after-school activities she decided she wanted to do some charitable work. Her mother told her about CIRCA and Emma went along to discuss the possibilities with Centre Coordinator Maureen Crawford. The result was that she has been helping out at OXFAM on Saturdays.
CIRCA was the brainchild of well known local physiotherapist Roger Waterworth who realised the valuable role such an organisation could play in the life of Douglas and the Island in general. He was chairman from its inception until stepping down at the recent annual meeting on reaching his 80th birthday. Wife Christine also played a major role as its long-serving secretary.
