Last summer we were inspired by Megan, one of our extraordinary volunteers, who took on the challenge of a 23-mile sponsored walk to raise funds for Glasgow City Mission. Alongside two friends, she undertook a remarkable journey with Kiltwalk, starting from the vibrant Glasgow Green through to the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond. Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest walking event, directing 100% of funds plus giftaid of each individual’s fundraising total to their chosen charities. Together, Megan and her friends raised an incredible £1000; enough to fund three years’ worth of art and pottery resources at Glasgow City Mission for individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, isolation and addiction.
I sat down with Megan to find out why she signed up, and why she encourages others to do so too.
Volunteering at Urban has given Megan an in-depth insight into the challenging lives of people who come to the Mission, and the life-changing impact of the support they receive. Urban is our ‘moving on’ project for individuals who have passed the crisis point in their lives. Through classes and courses guests explore education, employability and recreation opportunities. Activities include accredited computing classes, art lessons, pottery sessions and employability courses. Engaging with Urban gives individuals the chance to improve their mental health, wellbeing, confidence and future prospects.
Each time Megan came to volunteer, she described feeling a sense of calm wash over her. The more time she spent with guests, the more she came to appreciate the stark contrast between this peaceful environment and the chaos often dominating our guests’ pasts. For Megan, this contrast spotlighted the significance of Urban as a calming haven for people hoping to heal from trauma and begin to build stable, successful futures.
As well as the peace that Urban brings, Megan values the equality inherent in our relationships at Glasgow City Mission. This underlies the reason we do not have service users or clients, we have guests. Megan recognises that hierarchies and false pretences only serve to separate us, leading to disconnect and misunderstanding. At the Mission, we know that equal respect and value is the only way for guests, staff and volunteers to achieve our overall aim of building restorative, meaningful relationships. Ultimately, it was these meaningful relationships that drove Megan’s passion to sign up for Kiltwalk in aid of Glasgow City Mission. Her first-hand experience of the difference her fundraising efforts could make on people’s lives kept her motivated throughout her journey.
Would you like to make a difference to some of the most vulnerable members of your community? Join us for Kiltwalk 2025 and be the change they need.
Sign up here: https://thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/glasgow
Leila Quinney
Trusts and Communications
