Joan Okutu – Care and Repair

Joan is a people person who will talk to anybody, she finds the social aspect of volunteering to be the most exciting part. As a child growing up in Jamaica, Joan was hugely influenced by her grandmother and the kindness that was shown by the community. Joan reflects that her grandma had a fiery temper but was also the kindest person. She was a farmer and would give away food when she had too much of it.

When chatting about the community she was raised in, Joan talks about how hardworking people in the village were, how helpful people were and that even with very few belongings, they were the most generous people. It was this community spirit that has spurred Joan on and has been a true inspiration for her volunteering. Joan’s values of humility, kindness and understanding, truly reflect the essence and soul of our volunteers in Leeds.