For this New Year’s I decided that rather than stand with thousands of randoms on Primrose Hill (looking at the fireworks over Thames and dodging firecrackers from the knobheads in the crowd) I’d try and do some voluntary work. I know that homeless shelters get inundated this time of year and I wanted to help out where I could. Sounds easy right?
Well no, apparently not. First place I went to I offered to help out in the kitchens. Here goes the rough conversation…
THEM: “Do you have any chef qualifications or food safety awards?”
ME: “Well no I don’t but I work in the food and drink industry, I know what I’m doing in the…”
THEM: “Sorry sir, can’t help you. Maybe you’d like to donate some money instead?”
Ok, no luck there. Next up was a post offering to chat with the guys and girls coming through the doors.
THEM: “Do you have any counseling qualifications or training?”
ME: “Well no I don’t but I’ve personally suffered from mental illness and have a fair idea of…”
THEM: “Sorry sir, can’t help you. Maybe you’d like to donate some money instead?”
I gave up by the time the third and fourth places said roughly the same. I get that the charities have to cover their arses to an extent. But is it just me that thought this was a bit ridiculous?
Hey ho, off to Primrose Hill then…
Cheers
