Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Priyanka Carsane

As we mark Volunteers’ Week, we are proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time to support When You Wish Upon a Star. This week is all about recognising the impact volunteers make – and we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Priyanka Carsane, whose dedication has made a meaningful difference to the children and families we support.

 

Alongside her studies at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Priyanka has generously volunteered with us since November 2025, contributing in a wide variety of ways. Her commitment has also been recognised beyond the charity as Priyanka recently received NTU’s Jamie Marshall Award, honouring her outstanding commitment to supporting members of the community.

 

Priyanka’s role is incredibly varied, something she values deeply. As she explains, “I volunteer in a range of different ways depending on where support is needed.” From helping in the office with administrative tasks and preparing gift bags, to contributing to creative projects from home, she has embraced every opportunity to make a difference. She has also supported the charity at a number of events too, “I volunteered at events such as Winter Wonderland, Nottingham Racecourse race days and Nottingham City Transport’s Family Fun Day, helping to support the charity whilst raising awareness of its work.”

 

Her motivation for volunteering comes from a genuine place of admiration and compassion. Priyanka reflects, “I was inspired to volunteer because I truly admire the difference the charity makes in the lives of children and their families. The idea of helping to create moments of joy, hope and lasting memories during difficult times really resonated with me.”

 

Being part of When You Wish Upon a Star has also had a strong personal impact on Priyanka. She describes the experience as something she is truly proud of: “Volunteering for Wish makes me feel proud to know I’m part of something that genuinely helps bring happiness to children and their families. I’m incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive and caring team, where my contributions are valued and my personal growth is encouraged.”

 

Her time volunteering has brought with it many special memories. Priyanka shares, “It’s difficult to choose just one favourite memory as there have been so many special moments. At Winter Wonderland, seeing the children’s faces light up when they received the gift bags I had helped prepare… that was incredibly heartwarming.”

 

Through her experience, Priyanka has seen first-hand the powerful impact that wishes can have. She explains, “Wishes can make such a meaningful difference… they bring real moments of happiness and excitement during really tough times.” For her, it’s not only about the experience itself but the lasting effect it creates: “It’s not just about the wish itself, but the memories created around it – moments of joy, laughter, and time spent together that they can hold onto long after.”

 

This Volunteers’ Week, Priyanka is keen to encourage others to get involved. She says, “I would really encourage anyone who is considering volunteering to try it for themselves. Even if you’re unsure at the start, it can turn into something really special and worthwhile.” She highlights the personal benefits too, noting that volunteering offers the chance to “meet new people, grow in confidence, and pick up valuable skills, all while contributing to something that supports others. The sense of fulfilment you get back is just as strong as what you put in.”

 

Reflecting on her journey, Priyanka captures the true spirit of volunteering with a powerful insight: “Volunteering with Wish has been one of those experiences that genuinely stays with you. It’s shown me that behind every wish, event, or simple moment of joy, there are so many small acts of kindness working together to make it happen.” She adds, “I’ve seen first-hand how something we help create behind the scenes can turn into pure happiness for a child and their family at a time when they really need it most.”

 

During this Volunteers’ Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Priyanka and all of our incredible volunteers. Your kindness, dedication and passion make everything we do possible, and we are so grateful to have you as part of the When You Wish Upon a Star family.

 

If Priyanka’s story has inspired you, we would love to welcome you to our volunteer community. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, every contribution helps us create magical moments for children and their families when they need it most. Please email Amy for more information: amy.buxton@whenyouwish.org.uk