This week it’sNational Volunteers’ Weekin the UK, an annual event which takes place on 1-7 June. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. We want to share the stories of some of the volunteers we are proud to work with.

By Richard Sarson Head of Finance

I hope you enjoyed the recent Bank Holiday. A great time to spend with family, enjoy hobbies and catch up with jobs round the house. But spare a thought for the volunteers at NSARDA (National Search and Rescue Dog Association) for whom Bank Holidays are a busy time protecting people from harm in the open spaces of the UK. The Search Dogs and their teams play a vital role in the search for lost and injured people in rural, urban and lowland areas within the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Ireland. Working with the Emergency Services, they’re on hand to help keep us safe in the great outdoors, knowing that in an emergency, skilled help will be on hand.

A story which gives a lot of insight into both the compassion and professionalism of NSARDA is of a handler who having met a child very distressed to have lost his teddy sent out his dog to retrieve the treasured toy. Amazingly the dog quickly found and retrieved the teddy, making one family very happy but in doing so demonstrating how capable NSARDA are at meeting any emergency.

At O2 it has been a pleasure to support NSARDA as one of our chosen charities. To gain insight into how technology can save lives, but also understand the dedication and skill of these amazing volunteers and their highly trained dogs. It will certainly make me appreciate my free time next bank holiday, especially if I venture into the great outdoors.

O2 is proud to support NSARDA with their essential technology needs. With NSARDA , opening up the possibilities of technology isn’t just important; it really can make the difference between life and death.

Click here to find out how you can **** support NSARDA

Follow NSARDA on Facebook and Twitter @NSARDAOrg