Words by Smiley Team
We’re profiling under 25s who give back – through their work, volunteering, or any projects that give back to people and the planet.
At just 18 years old, Martin Dover, from Glasgow, has given back by setting up a charity’s food distributions in Scotland – to make sure no one goes hungry.
Martin is a volunteer at Go Dharmic, a platform that exists to help make a more compassionate, non-violent world. Inspired by the idea of Dharma, the charity wants to create a world where individuals can come together to create positive change in their lives and their communities.
During the first lockdown, Martin decided to start volunteering with the charity. “I wanted to help those who were struggling the most, however I could,” he tells Smiley News.
“I'm fortunate enough to have been brought up in a comfortable household where I have a warm roof over my head and the food I need; it's important to remember that large parts of our society do not have such privilege and we should do what we can to support them.”
[Discover more stories about people giving back on Smiley Movement]
At the charity, Martin – who is studying at the University of St Andrews – coordinates all the operations behind the distributions that Go Dharmic run in Scotland. “This involves liaising with partners, donors, volunteers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly,” he says.
The impact his work – as well as the charity’s – is immense, he says.
“For the homeless and vulnerable people we feed, they often get their only proper meal of the day from us (as well as breakfast for the next day!) but they also get the chance to interact and socialise with others again, something they lack which has massive boosts for their mental health,” he says.
“For the families we feed who are struggling with food poverty we are able to supply them with a mixture of essentials helping ensure their budget is able to go a bit further and that the children can be better supported.
“We have had parents tell us that because of the food packs we provide they were able to turn the heating on for their children in the depths of Scottish winter.”
To find out more or volunteer with the charity and learn how you can get involved, visit the Go Dharmic website.
Do you know someone 18-25 who is giving back to people or the planet in some way? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
