Barbara Kline – Leeds Jewish Welfare Board
The most striking thing about Barbara is how ingrained volunteering is in her way of life; it is part of her very being and DNA. Barbara has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her commitment to community services. Inspired by her matriarchal grandma, Barbara began volunteering while at primary school, helping to make tea for her grandma’s community group which supported older people.
As third generation, British born, Barbara sees her heritage as being a mix of English culture and Jewish background. Barbara has a strong sense of community, when people ask for help, she shows up and gives what she can even if she isn’t able to help physically, she always finds a way. “But this is what it is. Something happens. We’re there. It’s not a question of thinking about it”