Five minutes with…Iona
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“Working for a charity brings me peace…”
Iona from our fundraising team shares more about what brings her joy each day…
Iona, please would you tell us a little about your role?
As a part of the fundraising team, I work to help move forward our mission and support the hard work that is done both in and out of the office.
My specific role is interesting. I handle the community and events side of things (from the Manchester half marathon and the Lancashire hike to our Every Step campaign) and I also handle all in-memory donations and have the privilege of learning about those who cared about our work right up to the end.
I have the joy of picking up the phone to take donations and to simply speak with the public and learn about what they think about Caritas.
Every call is always different and I love that. I also look after the generous corporate volunteers who not only donate to us, but also often give up their time to help at our services.
How long have you worked with our charity and why did you decide to come and work here?
I’ve been working here since May 2025. I actually stumbled across the job by accident – I hadn’t changed my ‘area’ on the job site I was registered with and signed up straight away. I then got a call from Rachel from our team that they wanted to meet me. I didn’t think I would get the job as it seemed too perfect to be true, but I turned up and instantly fell in love with the area, the cause and the people. I personally believe the job didn’t happen by accident but by a very heavy nudge in the right direction.
What’s the best thing about working at Caritas?
I’m seen for who I am. I am not seen as another number, a disabled worker or too young.
Everyone in the charity is so warm and welcoming and I have been accepted for being me and not for my ‘labels’.
What’s the best thing about working in your role?
Definitely the people. We get the joy of speaking with donors every day and we get to listen to their stories on why they want to donate. Every donor has a unique story and everyone’s link to the charity is so personal and different.
Caritas is a charity. What’s it like working for a charitable organisation?
Personally for me, working for a charity brings me peace. I can use my skills for good. I sleep better knowing that every minute I spend trying my hardest is contributing to something meaningful, not just making someone’s wallet thicker.
What surprised you about working here that you didn’t expect?
The charity is so broad. We are able to help and provide support in several different ways.
There are so many moving parts from the office at Caritas House to the school service or the allotment at the Lalley centre and lots in between. Each is an element in its own right, but they all come together for one huge cause.
I am also super-surprised that not everyone in Greater Manchester and Lancashire knows about us. Caritas is the best charity I have worked for, with a mission that is so powerful.
More people should know who we are and what we do and I love playing my part in raising that awareness.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy a lot of things but I have three main hobbies: Gaming, sleeping (I do class this as a hobby! and the gym.
I started on my dad’s old PS2 and the Nintendo Wii and now have my very own gaming set up and a steam library with more than 120 games.
I go to the gym six times a week and it has also showed me the joy of cooking healthy and nutritious food. I was really surprised by how good I am at lifting heavy, and it comes in handy when setting up for events!
What three words best describe you?
Caring, honest and patient.
How would you sum up the difference your work makes in a sentence?
By organising and planning, I allow multiple different ways for everyone to get involved in helping local people in and around Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Find out more about ways you can support Caritas now by clicking here