Why I Volunteer at the British Heart Foundation - Edward Ileomoh, Environmental Student Ambassador
What Does the BHF Do?
Since 1961, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has funded lifesaving research in cardiovascular health. Today, the BHF is the biggest funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in Europe, with over £100 million in research into heart and circulatory diseases each year. Specifically, the BHF funds:
- Heart conditions research, such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, congenital heart defects, etc.
- Circulatory conditions research, such as stroke and vascular dementia.
- Risk factor research, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the chances of developing heart or circulatory conditions.
Why I Volunteer at the BHF
People and sustainability motivated me to sign up and volunteer for the BHF. Volunteering at the BHF brings together my passion for people and the environment. I care for the environment and deliberately make sustainable choices that help it. The BHF is big on recycling and reuse. It provides a sustainable way for unwanted items to get another lease of life and helps fund research that will help millions of people in the UK.
Over 7 million people are living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK. This is a genuine heart health crisis and the BHF is here to help, and I wanted to be a part of the solution.
What Has Volunteering Done For Me
At a personal level, volunteering at the BHF has allowed me to be a force for good and to contribute to my community meaningfully. It also helps that I get to work with and meet awesome people along the way. The shop brings people together and that is a template to build mutual understanding, cooperation and friendship. I believe the world needs more of that.
You can donate items at designated drop off points on campus or at the BHF shop where I volunteer, at 19 Smithford Way, Coventry, CV1 1FY.
How People Can Volunteer for the BHF
You can also support the BHF by volunteering yourself. No matter who you are, there will always be a role for someone like you at the BHF. You can help by doing your own fundraising, see https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/do-your-own-thing; taking part in events, see https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events or helping out in the shop like me, see https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer/volunteer-in-our-shops
Whichever way you decide to help, you will improve your skills, keep busy with a worthy cause or just meet new and interesting people, it’s a win-win.
Want to ‘Elf’ out this Christmas? Find your nearest opportunity here
What Can People Donate to the BHF and How
You can donate money or items. Unwanted Items like books, tech, electricals, furniture and a lot more can be donated to the BHF. For the list of items accepted for donation, please visit this link.
Donation points at Coventry University:
Cycle Works: CV1 5QD
Bishop Gate: CV1 1AJ
Godiva Place: CV1 5PJ
CU Coventry Reception: CV1 2TU
