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Volunteers
As Volunteers, all of us come from different walks of life, with different experiences to draw from,differing talents and abilities-which is exactly what MACS needs to provide the variety of skills required to offer support and to befriend anyone suffering from cancer,or their carer,who comes to MACS for support.
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As a volunteer you will make new friendships,enjoy new activities and even enrich you social life,iyou cant'f you wish to.At the same time you can't fail to be rewarded as you feel you are unselfishly involved in gicing something towards the benefit of others.Ordinary people,just like ourselves,but who may be going through a very difficult journey since the onset of their cancer diagnosis
MACS is commited towards achieving the best possible services and facilities for patients suffering with cancer,and their carers.Plans are in hand for expanding resources and facilities in the near future;all due to the hard work of our founder and members,as well as Sponsors,Volunteers and Fundraisers,also supporters from a variety of contributions.
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Could you find it within yourself to give a little of your precious time and help to support MACS?
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If so,ring the general equires line on 634 329 334 or alternatively pop into one of our charity shops in Turre,Albox,Mojacar, Las Buganvillas or Huercal Overa
Ken Newbold Mojacar Shop
I retired from my business in Spain five years ago, and about three years back, I started wondering how I could put my electrical and electronic skills to good use. I decided to approach the manager at the MACS Cancer Support Group shop in Mojacar to see if they needed any help.
That turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve now been volunteering there for the past three years and it’s been a great experience. I get to work alongside some fantastic people – several of whom have become good friends. It’s rewarding to feel useful again, and even more so to be a part of something that makes a real difference.
Carole Call Handler
Hola, I’m Carole, and I’ve been a volunteer call handler with the MACS Cancer Charity for the past couple of years. I share this role with two other lovely ladies on a rota system.
Both of my beautiful parents passed away from cancer, which is what inspired me to get involved with MACS in the first place. I wanted to do something meaningful in their memory and support others facing similar challenges.
The Care Line is often the first point of contact patients have with the charity. My role is to take their basic details and help identify how MACS can support them. I then complete a referral form and pass it on to our Patient coordinators
As a call handler, it's important to be empathetic, understanding, and a good listener. Many of the people who call are in shock, distressed, or fearful, so having someone patient and compassionate to talk to can make a real difference.
Although this role can be emotionally challenging at times, I find it incredibly rewarding. Volunteering with MACS gives me the chance to give back to my community, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly wonderful people along the way. It has also enabled me to make true friends, especially valuable after recently moving to Spain.
Philomena Mojacar Shop
My name is Philomena, and I’m originally from Ireland. I began volunteering at MACS Charity
Shop in Mojácar four years ago, shortly after retiring from my career. At the time, I found
myself with an abundance of free time and was looking for something meaningful to fill my
days.
One day, I dropped into the shop and spoke with the manager, Kerry. She welcomed me
warmly, provided the necessary paperwork, and arranged an induction visit. During that
visit, I met the other volunteers—everyone was so friendly, and I was immediately made to
feel at home.
Four years later, I can truly say that my life has been enriched through volunteering at MACS.
Kerry and the team have become like family to me—my “MACS family.” I primarily volunteer
on Fridays, and occasionally on other days when needed. I usually operate the till, which
gives me the opportunity to meet so many interesting customers from all nationalities. Over
time, I’ve developed genuine friendships with many of them—we catch up weekly, sharing
stories about our families and daily lives.
As a student of Spanish, I love that I can practice the language with our customers. They’re
always happy to help, and it makes the learning experience so much more enjoyable and
authentic.
The work itself is both rewarding and varied. We accept donations of all kinds—clothing,
shoes, household items, furniture, and bric-a-brac. Occasionally, families donate the entire
contents of a loved one’s home after their passing, finding comfort in knowing the proceeds
will go towards supporting cancer patients.
From time to time, we also hold fundraising events, which give me the chance to meet
volunteers who work on other days. These events are not only enjoyable, but they also
deepen our shared commitment to a great cause.
Volunteering at MACS gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Knowing that our efforts directly
support cancer patients makes every hour spent in the shop truly meaningful. Every Friday, I
leave the shop with a big smile on my face, grateful for the day I decided to step through
that door.
My MACS family means the world to me, and I wholeheartedly recommend becoming a
volunteer at your local MACS Charity Shop. You’ll not only help raise much-needed funds for
cancer support—you’ll also become part of a warm, welcoming community.
Thank you, MACS.
Carol Mojacar Shop
HI, my name is Carol and I Joined MACS as a volunteer in 2014 helping on the shop floor and as a team leader in the Mojacar Shop In 2016. still as a volunteer I was invited to join the committee and took on the treasurers role looking after the finances for all of MACS also joined the fund raising team
The motivator for joining MACS in my retirement was because my grandmother suffered from cancer and spent a lot of her time at Christies cancer hospital in the UK. Throughout my teenage years I helped my granddad to care for her.
Working as a volunteer at MACS has given me great satisfaction over the many years I have been here, I would encourage anyone who can give some of their free time to volunteer at any of our 5 shops- Mojacar. Turre. Las Buganvillas. AJbox and Huercal Overa.
Over the 10 years I’ve been here I have seen MACS help and support many people living and suffering with cancer, it gives me great pride to be part of an organisation that provides this valuable assistance.
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JACOBUS FRANCISCUS MARIA (known as Jack) Huercal Overa Shop
My wife, Denise, was a friend of Christine, the former manager of the MACS shop in Huercal Overa.
When Christine became sick with cancer, but still wanted to work, Denise started to work in the shop in order to help her. After a while the shop was a bit short of volunteers and so I was asked to help out for a while. Well, that 'for a while' is now over two years ago! Denise and I have both been affected by this terrible disease and that motivates us to do this work. But also, the fact that we are so lucky to work with a bunch of lovely people, (there is a lot of laughter in our shop in Huercal Overa!) So, to the people who might read this, come and join us!!!!!
MACS need volunteers in a variety of capacities
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To work in the charity shops
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To train as Helpline phone holders
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Drivers
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Buddies
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Become a member of the fundraising team
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Councillors
There are many volunteer roles within MACS and each one is invaluable. If you can spare a few hours each work it will really make a difference and all that you need to bring is your enthusiasm.
SHOP ASSISTANTS
Our charity shops contain a wide range of donated clothes, accessories, books, home-ware and furniture. One is always surprised by what may be found.
You can get involved in a wide range of duties including sorting and pricing up merchandise using price guides, helping our customers, operating the till, and displaying stock.
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BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FUNDRAISING TEAM
Are you outgoing, well organized and do you have some great fundraising ideas? This is a varied and fun role that helps to generate income to support our patients and their families and raises public awareness.
Join our fundraising team and assist in planning and organizing events and help to build and maintain relationships with our wonderful supporters.
DRIVERS
We are looking for caring and reliable volunteer drivers to help transport patients to and from their medical appointments. Offering a friendly and supportive presence during the journey, can make a real difference by ensuring that they arrive safely and on time.
You will need to hold a valid driving license, have access to a car and have a friendly and patient approach. Fuel costs are fully reimbursed.
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BUDDIES
Could you become a Buddy by offering companionship and encouragement to someone living with cancer in your community?
Buddies provide friendly support through regular chats, meeting for a coffee or walk, or simply being someone who listens and cares. Your time and kindness can help reduce loneliness and make a real difference during treatment or recovery.
No specialist experience is needed – just empathy, patience and a willingness to support others.
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HELPLINE PHONE HOLDERS
The MACS 24-hour helpline is run by volunteers and in essence they are the first contact for those diagnosed with cancer, who wish to register with MACS for help and support.
No medical knowledge is required, as at this point the Phone Holder has only one task and that is to request basic information from the caller and then to pass those details on to one of our patient registrars.
What is needed, is someone who is confident with good listening and communication skills, who is also reliable and respectful of confidentiality.
Calls may come at any time, so volunteers are mobile and work on a rota basis agreed between themselves to ensure cover is available at all times. Full guidance and training will be provided.
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COUNCELLORS
Are you a qualified councellor who may be willing to volunteer your time to provide emotional support to people and their family members affected by cancer?
If you are compassionate, a good listener, and would like to use your counselling skills to help others during a difficult time, we would love to hear from you.