Tine Muizelaar
Volunteer of Arroyo International Shop and Support Centre since September 2012

After having worked for about 40 years of my life and after enjoying a few "free" years, the restlessness began. I wanted to do something different, something useful. Working as a volunteer seemed like a good idea to me, I had read about how what you do can do so much good to others and to yourself and that you could meet new people and live new experiences.

Given my career, I thought it could be useful in administrative tasks, but during the initial interview in CUDECA I was advised to collaborate in one of the shops, something that had not occurred to me before. I am delighted! I work 2 mornings a week, on Mondays I do the selection and labeling of donations and, on Tuesdays, I help with the till and with the organization of the shop so it looks more attractive every day as well as helping customers.

As time went by, I understood CUDECA's work better and I felt more and more committed to the cause, wanting to know more about the Foundation. I decided to join another morning, now at the Center with administrative tasks, and here I got to know everything more closely.

Volunteering has given me an occupation that gives a different meaning to my life. The common stereotype of volunteering is true! It gives you enormous satisfaction to be able to help, see the results and, simultaneously, time have a good time with your colleagues, also learn from other cultures…

In the CUDECA Centre in Benalmádena, I saw the patience and empathy with which the patients and family are treated, the pleasant atmosphere, everything is done so that they feel well cared of.

Without the volunteers CUDECA could not exist because of the enormous cost of caring for so many patients in exchange for nothing.