Emmaus Bolton’s newest trustee, retired banker Dave Gornall shares why he decided to join the board to mark Trustees Week.
Dave first became involved eight years ago, while working as branch manager of Halifax Bolton, when the bank entered into a supportive partnership with Emmaus Bolton through the Lloyds TSB Foundation scheme.
After leading several successful charity car washes to raise funds for Emmaus Bolton, Dave continued his support as a member of the Oversight Team, which supports the charity’s decision-making processes. He became an official trustee in 2019.
Dave continues to visit the social enterprises on Fletcher Street on a regular basis, to “pick up books” and make donations. Read on and you’ll find out he’s also pretty handy at upcycling…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I started on the youth training scheme for the Halifax bank 36 years ago. I have covered most branch based roles and worked in 68 branches in total including some time as an Estate Agent. I live in Ormskirk and I am married to Andrea with 2 children, Lewis and Charlotte.
How did you first find out about Emmaus Bolton?
Whilst I was the manager of the Halifax in Bolton, I was introduced to Emmaus Bolton through what was the Lloyds TSB Foundation scheme
What made you want to be a trustee at Emmaus Bolton?
After offering support to the Bolton team over the years, I was invited to be involved as part of the Oversight Team. This gave me a better understanding of how the charity works and I was pleased to be asked to become a trustee recently.
What are you most proud of achieving in your role?
When I was the manager of the Halifax in Bolton, it was great to get the local branch team involved to help raise awareness of the charity. A lot of the team had never heard about Emmaus, but when they visited and learnt more they were keen to donate and spread the word. We carried out a couple of car washes on the site to bring in more customers and helped increase awareness on social media.
What do you enjoy most about Emmaus Bolton?
I have always felt no matter what pressures I have in my personal life, spending a day at Emmaus I always come out feeling better. Being able to help and give something back is so rewarding.
Can you sum up what Emmaus Bolton means in one sentence?
Recycling and repairing everything and everyone.
What is your best secondhand purchase or piece of upcycling?
My sister was having work done on her house so I took the old floorboards, which were over 100 years old, and sanded them down and vanished them and made myself a bookshelf. These pictures in the gallery below show the before and after of what the floorboards look like.
How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
Nothing too exciting: family, gardening (I am a bit of a chilli head and love growing my own hot chilli) and going the match with my son.
What are your favourite places in and around Bolton?
Not from the area, so it has got to be Fletcher Street, where Emmaus is.
Why should people consider becoming a trustee with Emmaus Bolton?
I believe that we all build up skills through our lives that we can use to give back and support those who need it the most. It is not about donations or money, but as a trustee you can donate your time and the skills that you have learnt, which hopefully will make a difference.
Thank you to Dave and all our trustees for their continued support. If would like to volunteer to become a trustee of Emmaus Bolton, please get in touch with [email protected].