Go for it - you will meet a wide variety of people, and have a lot of fun.
Maime Davis
I came to the Association through my friendship with a committee member. She knew that I had been treasurer for another charity before moving to Llanelli, and as the Branch was looking for someone to take over the position asked if I would be interested. I was pleased to take on the responsibility, even though I knew very little about MND.
My role is as a committee member. I am responsible to the Branch for handling the donations we receive, which take several forms - fundraising, general donations and in memoriam donations, every one of which is acknowledged by a receipt and letter of thanks from the Branch. I also deal with paying requests for financial help, most of which come from the Regional Care Development Adviser. These requests are agreed by at least two committee members. Payments are also made for Branch running expenses. I keep a spreadsheet where all transactions are recorded, and this goes, together with all the relevant paperwork, to the accountant at the end of the financial year.
I am still with the Association because, since I joined five years ago I have become very involved with the Branch and its efforts to raise as much money as possible for research and to aid people living with MND, their families and carers. I have met many courageous, lovely people who are dealing with this terrible disease in many different ways, and who have been an inspiration to me.
I would recommend the role of treasurer to anyone thinking of taking it on. There isn’t an onerous amount of work involved, I spend two to three hours a month actually compiling the accounts, and attend a monthly committee meeting. Presenting the accounts, and the treasurer’s report at the AGM, whilst daunting at first, is an interesting experience. Go for it - you will meet a wide variety of people, and have a lot of fun.
