Reviewing 2012: Part One – CRUK Volunteer Achievements

So 2012 is coming to a close and I thought I would do some blog posts to look back on the year.

Today’s post will focus on some of the achievements made by some of the 40,000 people who volunteered for Cancer Research UK this year:

Events and Volunteering

In 2012 over 11,000 volunteers supported 240 Race for Life across the country.  These events have raised over £50 million so far. 

Shine 2012 was supported by 480 volunteers in London and 384 volunteers in Manchester.   

This year a dedicated force of 794 volunteers supported our Cancer Research UK runners at third party events like the London Marathon and Great North Run.   

Fundraising and Volunteering

Volunteer fundraising groups have been busy again this year raising approximately £11 million through a myriad of different activities from Relay For Life to balls and last weekend, the famous Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden.     

On 26, 27 and 28 October 2012, we held a collection at 570 Tesco stores across the  country manned entirely by volunteers. This fundraising initiative was supported by 425 of our fantastic Groups and Committees, and a further 299 new volunteers who joined in to support the collection.  So far they’ve raised £210,261.26, and we’re still waiting for the final figures from 10 groups!  

 Ambassador Volunteers

The Cancer Campaigns Ambassadors have had a bumper year of success:

2012 saw of the introduction of covering up cigarette displays in larger retailers as a direct result of the “Out of Sight, Out of Mind Campaign”

The Answer is Plain campaign on the “Innovative Campaign of the Year” Award at the Public Affairs Award.

Over 100 Ambassadors took part in a hugely successful lobby of Parliament for The Answer is Plain campaign.

The Year of Radiotherapy campaign saw huge successes including David Cameron announcing a huge £15 million would be spent on Radiotherapy services.

Other Volunteers

Hundreds of volunteers have shared their stories for our brand campaign, Stand up to cancer, films for fundraising events, Little Stars campaign, Jubilee Beacon, Tesco charity of the year, national and regional press stories, ‘Give up clothes for good’, our Annual Review, Plain Packaging campaign, Francis Crick institute and all types of fundraising materials.

Many CRUK volunteers shared their stories to help promote the fantastic “Stand Up To Cancer” which has led to millions being raised for the charity so far

It’s been a hugely successful year for Cancer Research UK volunteers and I have had a great time taking part in some events and meeting some incredible people. Here’s hoping 2013 is even more successful!

If you are a CRUK Volunteer, please make sure you keep an eye out for #CRUKChatter on Twitter  - a great way to share ideas and meet other volunteers! Follow @CRUKWalton for more information!

xxx