One of the UK’s most popular heritage attractions, North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), is encouraging members of the public to use the recent Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June) as a catalyst to jump aboard, and become a virtual fundraising volunteer.
Volunteering roles at NYMR traditionally involve joining the Traction & Rolling Stock, Catering & Retail, Station, Education, and even Customer Service teams, but the virtual volunteers are invited to create their own job descriptions, and do what they’re able, to help raise funds for the charity’s ongoing crisis appeal.
This might involve:
- Becoming a home baker and making cakes to sell on the doorstep with an honesty box alongside to encourage donations, or even holding an online bake-along or bake off if your friends and family are competitive!
- Donning your trainers and undertaking a sponsored walk, run or bike ride? The railway is 18 miles in length so this could be a good target to try and tackle over the course of a month, week, or day if you’re feeling more ambitious!
- Taking on the role of quizmaster and hosting an online quiz
- Getting the kids involved and encouraging them to set up a doorstep tuck shop; they could make up pic ‘n mix sweet bags, make their own elderflower cordial, or even pots of fruit to sell, with a donation box alongside
- Becoming the hostess with the mostess and organising a virtual coffee morning
- Putting any planned quarantine haircuts to good use and encouraging donations before cutting your tresses
- Donating your birthday to help raise vital funds to keep the NYMR on track for future generations
Chris Price, General Manager at NYMR comments: “As an organisation, we’re heavily reliant upon volunteers and during our main season opening, we welcome hundreds of invaluable helpers up and down the line who get involved with a variety of hands on roles.
“For many of our volunteers, donating their time presents them with the opportunity to meet new people and gain a real sense of achievement. We know that what we’re asking for at the moment is a little different but we’re hoping it means more people than before will be able to lend their support, albeit in a virtual manner, but nonetheless it will be as invaluable as ever.
“The end goal is still the same – to help the railway in its mission to preserve the past and protect its infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.”
Anyone looking to get involved and become a virtual fundraising volunteer, just needs to head to nymr.co.uk/virtual-volunteers for further information. Anyone wanting to share their fundraising progress on social media should use the hashtag, #NYMRFundraiser.
At present, NYMR could potentially lose up to £2 million; figures of this magnitude could threaten its very existence. If you’re able, please support the NYMR to ensure it survives, and visit nymr.co.uk/ crisis-fund.
