A group of volunteers are taking a selfie. They are wearing green tops with the Macmillan logo on them. They appear to be at an outdoor event.

Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2024

News
Published: 05 December 2024
Thursday 5 December is International Volunteer Day. In this blog, we celebrate the impact our volunteers make everyday and say thanks for your continued support.

A global celebration of volunteers and the spirit of volunteerism

"I am in a much better place mentally and that is thanks to him. I’ll never forget what he’s done for me as before the calls I was feeling very low." - A person living with cancer who has been supported by a Macmillan Telephone Buddy

International Volunteer Day started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. This year, the United Nations is paying tribute to volunteers around the world and recognising every one of their contributions.

Today, we want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of Macmillan’s volunteers for the time, generosity and dedication you give. Every moment you give and every contribution you make has an impact on someone living with cancer.

Whether you’ve showed up at one of our events to cheer someone over the finish line, or you’ve spent 5 minutes sharing one of our campaigns online. You might have been a listening ear at the end of the phone, or you might have shared your own experience to make sure everyone with cancer has the best possible experience. Maybe you got your colleagues together to build care packages to brighten someone’s day, or maybe you championed Macmillan in your local community.

Whatever way you’ve given your time this year, thank you for making a difference.

We'll be celebrating everyone who gives their time to Macmillan over the next 2 weeks by sharing some of 2024’s incredible highlights, as well as looking ahead to the future and how volunteers can continue to be there for people living with cancer in 2025. Check out our volunteering Facebook group for more information.