Gemma's story

At Fluid, we’re more than just merchandise, we believe that giving back is an essential part of who we are as a company

Whether it’s through volunteering, fundraising, or supporting charities, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community and beyond. 

We value our Fluid family and as a certified B Corp, we offer all of our teams 2 paid volunteer days a year. We encourage our people to support their local communities and align with charities and causes they feel passionate about.

With this in mind, Gemma Richards our Brand Manager based in Cornwall recently volunteered for the day with the charity Falmouth & Penryn Welcome Refugees, they aim to resettle families fleeing war, conflict and climate change around the world into the local area and they support them to achieve financial and social independence within their new community. They have successfully settled 3 families into the Falmouth and Penryn area.

Gemma's story

Why did you choose to volunteer with Falmouth & Penryn Welcome Refugees? 

“I'd been looking to use my volunteer days and came across this charity and the cause really resonated with me. I don’t think it would be easy for anyone to have to leave their home country and move to a strange place with a different culture and language and yet, due to the increase in conflicts and the effects of climate change around the world, it seems that more people are finding themselves displaced or needing to escape. I believe we should welcome and support these people, so I was delighted to be able to help in my small way!”  

What’s your favourite thing about Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugees? 

“As mentioned the cause itself and the fact that it’s in my hometown! It’s something Falmouth and Penryn should feel very proud of, it’s a wonderful reflection of a caring community. I was made to feel very welcome by the charity and the other volunteers.”

What did you get up to during your volunteering?

“I was helping the charity with a community event they were hosting to mark World Refugee Week, the day consisted of jumble and craft and community stalls, food, workshops and music.

I started off helping sort out the vast amount of jumble items and then moved onto the meet and greet desk and helped to sell the charity's fab. range of merchandise. (I may have even bought myself a new t-shirt!)”

Was there a particular moment that stood out to you?

“Meeting some of the families and seeing the warmth and love the charity and volunteers had for them will stay with me.

Also, when a little boy purchased a t-shirt with his Mum and asked me, “Will this money go to help refugees?” being able to say “Yes, it will” was pretty special!” 

What did you learn from your volunteer experience with  Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugees? 

“I’m really grateful to Fluid for the opportunity to volunteer. It's important to take a step away from your day-to-day and be able to help out in any small way. 

It made me think about the fact that it could be any of us who become displaced due to war, conflict or climate change and that we’d want and need help and support to settle somewhere and build a new life.
Thanks to amazing charities like Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugees, families can be given a chance to rebuild their lives. I hope to be able to use another volunteering day with the charity again soon.” 

Find out more about Fluid’s Future’s group encourages the team to give something back.