A special thank you from assistant chief guide Mhairi Mackay
Assistant chief guide Mhairi Mackay gives a special thank you to celebrate volunteers' week
I’ve been assistant chief guide for about 8 months now, and I still need to pinch myself sometimes!
Our meetings are fun and really important in helping us make sure we’re providing amazing experiences for girls and volunteers in Girlguiding. But there’s nothing like getting out and about to meet as many of you as possible!
I recently had the pleasure of attending both the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentation at Buckingham Palace and a centenary event in Alsager. These were both fantastic days where I spoke with lots of inspirational girls and volunteers (over 1 very busy weekend!). What struck me most was the passion and enthusiasm from our volunteers as they dedicate themselves to making memorable experiences for our young members.
It was so great to celebrate not only the brilliant achievements of our young members at these events - but also recognise and acknowledge the time, effort, and passion of our volunteers who make Girlguiding possible.
Volunteers’ Week runs from 3 - 9 June. And I have to admit, I’m super excited! The chief guide team have a few surprises planned, but I’m also really excited to celebrate and acknowledge the volunteers I work with regularly.
I run a Ranger unit, and we have 2 exciting changes in the team coming up. One of our Rangers has decided to come back as a volunteer while she attends university, and my other Ranger leader is expecting her first baby quite soon. So my fantastic Rangers are organising a celebration for them both to say a massive thank you! But celebrations of thanks can come in all shapes and sizes. I’ll also be writing some thank you cards (complete with a badge and some chocolate!) for the leaders who’ll be joining me on our upcoming Guide camp too!
I’ll also be taking to social media to say a big thank you to our volunteers. I’m sure we all know someone who’d appreciate a thank you this Volunteers’ Week. So please join me in creating a big Girlguiding social media thank-a-thon! Here’s how you can get involved:
- Film a quick video of you saying thank you to whoever you like. It could be to your volunteer team, your own leaders growing up or your Girlguiding bestie!
- Post it to social media with #GGThankAThon and tag @girlguiding.
- You can also use our Girlguiding profile picture frames on Facebook.
I’d like to personally thank you for all that you do in Girlguiding. I know that so many of us wear different, brightly-coloured, sometimes sparkly, hats – but every hat is so important in making sure girls get the most they can from Girlguiding.
Thank you for the giggles you provide, the confidence you build, and the adventures you make happen (big and small!). From me and the thousands of other girls in Girlguiding – thank you!
PS. It would be great to hear what you’re doing to mark Volunteers’ Week, so please tag us on Instagram @ChiefGuideTeam or on X @Chief_Guide with what you get up to!
