Former 'Apprentice' star Lucinda Swaps boardroom for VSO volunteer placement
01/06/2009 00:01:00
VSO announced today that Lucinda Ledgerwood, the former contestant in the 2008 TheApprentice BBC TV show, is to take up a VSO placement in New Delhi. VSO volunteers are experienced professionals, often from the business sector.
Lucinda Ledgerwood, from Edinburgh, who was a semi-finalist in last year’s competition, has quit the boardroom to help poverty-stricken youngsters in New Delhi. The 33-year-old said she was no longer interested in earning a large salary and wanted to give something back while experiencing different cultures. The freelance risk analyst and management consultant will spend two years as a volunteer with VSO.
Speaking of her decision to volunteer with VSO, Lucinda says:
“One of the reasons why I went on The Apprentice was because I like a challenge, I like diversity, I like my mind to be kept busy. I am hoping to experience a new culture, new opportunities. I have travelled widely, but I have never really worked in a place, and I think that’s the only way to understand the culture.”
VSO urgently requires finance managers, accountants, economic advisers and business consultants like Lucinda to offer their time and skills in 44 developing countries where it works. VSO covers all costs and placements are challenging advisory positions. VSO urgently needs 50 business people to apply and depart for a new professional challenge in September 2009 and January 2010.
Malcolm Quigley, Director of VSO Ireland, says:
“VSO recruits volunteers in a variety of different places including Scotland, Kenya, India and Ireland of course. VSO is urgently asking talented business people like Lucinda to volunteer overseas with VSO. We think that now is the time to think about your personal legacy – what will you remember as best part of your career? Think of the difference you can make to people’s lives by sharing their business skills overseas.”
Emma Donavon, a brand manager from Co. Cork, worked in business for years before finally deciding to volunteer with VSO. She has been placed in Kenya for two years working as a Marketing and Fundraising Adviser in the Kenya Society for the Blind. Emma has an encouraging message for potential VSO volunteers:
“Working in Africa is a huge learning curve for me. My communication and training skills are improving daily. My costs are covered so I am not too worried about the financial risk. Volunteering isn’t just taking time out, it’s using your skills and getting experience in international development."
In many developing countries staff shortages amongst business managers and accountants are chronic, so these are the skills now in demand. VSO can place educators, health workers, business people and community/social workers as volunteers abroad.
More information: Contact VSO Ireland on 01-8147070 or email Deirdre.finlay@vso.ie or john.white@vso.ie. Call Deirdre on 086-3707050 or John on 087-6678985.
