To help celebrate Volunteering here at Ecas, we would like to share Anne’s story and thank her for her remarkable contribution over the last 40 years!
From driving the Ecas minibus through the 1980’s and 90’s, and helping out with the Art Group until a few short weeks ago, to her invaluable contribution on our Finance and Personnel Committee, Anne knows more about Ecas than the rest of us put together.
Anne has always supported Ecas as we continue to promote equality, choice and participation for physically disabled people through our activities, befriending service and grants.
We would also like to thank her for taking the time to share her memories with us.

So, how and when did Anne discover Ecas in the first place?
From the 1960’s, when Ecas was based in Simon Square in Edinburgh’s city centre, the organisation was involved in a pioneering scheme, with service users fulfilling contracts for commercial companies. This approach had a transforming impact on social attitudes, as well as boosting the self-esteem of disabled workers.
In the 1980’s, a nearby printing firm, in Nicolson Square, would commission Ecas to help with the assembly of Point of Sale cards. On one occasion, when the head of Ecas went to collect payment, she mentioned that the charity was looking for drivers for its weekly art group and occasional day trips.
The boss of printing firm volunteered his wife!
His wife is Anne McDonald who went on to volunteer with Ecas for the next 40 years, until she stepped down last month.
Learning ‘on the job’
So, back to the 1980’s.
Anne had never driven a minibus before, but she soon got to grips with a very basic Bedford Minivan, in the days before power-steering! The first trip was taking a group of 6 people to a Candle Factory in Newbridge.
The trip was a success and Anne was up for more volunteering. Every week, she would collect Ecas service users and take them along to the Art Group, at the time held in Prestonfield Primary School. She would then take them home again, having also helped with the running of the group.
Even then, Anne would go above and beyond, helping clear up after the class – a messy business cleaning oil paint off Formica!
From the start of her volunteering, Anne recognised that one of the main benefits of Ecas is bringing people together. Over the years, Ecas has been able to support many brilliant artists. Equally important, however, is it’s a weekly get-together and the opportunity for people to meet, chat and share stories whilst engaging in an activity.
Anne had no experience of disability before Ecas, and was nervous at the start,
There was little guidance back then. So, I overcame my nervousness by just speaking to people and getting to know them, over tea and biscuits!
‘I didn’t know how people would be. I wanted to be able to speak to people, treat individuals with respect and know how to interact well.’
Prior to volunteering with Ecas, Anne had been a school librarian, before becoming a stay-at-home mum. Volunteering gave her an opportunity to get involved with something that would work well around her two daughters and homelife,
I enjoyed meeting people, the interaction with everyone, and being involved with the organisation.’
Volunteering in different roles
Anne continued to drive a range of Ecas minibuses for the next 20 years, eventually some with power-steering! She would drive our clients to and from the weekly Art Group and take them on day trips to all sorts of places, from Loch Lomond to Loch Fitty, shopping outlets and cultural spots.

Towards the end of the 1980’s, Anne was also invited to join the Board of Ecas. She served as a Trustee to the charity for 12 years or so, before joining the Finance and Personnel Committee,
It was very interesting being involved at Board level, learning more about Ecas, the legal and financial side of the charity. Ecas has played such an important role in campaigning for disabled people over the years, making sure the rights and needs of disabled people are part of the conversation.’
For example, when the council were re-paving the top of the Royal Mile, Anne recalls Ecas campaigning to ensure the ramps weren’t too steep. Ecas was also involved in improving access to public transport and restaurants, including the height of mirrors in the ladies loos!
Anne really enjoyed her role on the Financial Committee. She modestly describes herself as ‘just a cog in the wheel’.
The team met every three months to do what they could to safeguard the future of the charity, whilst helping ensure Ecas’ Grants Fund could have impact whenever and wherever possible,
It was a balancing act. Some years we had to cut back, but then we would see a recovery, or we would receive a legacy, so that more could be done. Ecas’ Grants Fund really do help people and brighten their lives.’
The years roll by
Anne has seen many changes over the years, including better access and improved transport for people with physical disabilities,
There’s always more to do, but accessibility has improved, and people are more autonomous.’
In 2003, the minibuses were stopped as Handicabs and similar services improved. At this time, Graham Young started as the Ecas Art Group Leader. Graham’s focused 1-2-1 approach with Ecas service users meant more support was needed in helping during the session, so he could spend dedicated time with individuals.
Anne greatly enjoyed her working partnership with Graham over the next 20 years,

You don’t realise how the years are rolling by. It just becomes part of weekly life. It’s all about spending time together as a group, sharing stories, the banter, the different people with their different lives finding shared wavelengths.‘
It’s remarkable to have Anne’s perspective and be able to share her thoughts and insights on Volunteering for Ecas over 40 years,
I’ve always been impressed with how Ecas keeps abreast and continues to evolve with what’s needed. There’s always something new and innovative on the horizon, as the charity identifies where the gaps are, where the support is needed, then does something about it.’
Any advice for our future volunteers?
We asked Anne if she would still recommend volunteering with Ecas,
YES, absolutely, I would recommend it. When you volunteer, you develop an interest and can involve yourself with others. You learn so much and you get something back, it’s enjoyment. It really adds to your quality of life. It’s always been fun!’
Feeling inspired?
If you have been inspired by Anne and her story, we would love to hear from you.
Ecas is a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of physically disabled people in the Edinburgh and Lothian area: promoting equality, choice and participation through our activities, befriending service, and grants.

There are many great ways to volunteer at Ecas and help support the work we do.
Find out more about our Volunteer Opportunities including our Volunteer Befriending Service.
Join our Finance and Personnel Committee
Ecas is also seeking to recruit new Members for its Finance and Personnel Committee. We are looking for individuals to fill skills gaps in the areas of legal practise and human resources.
Find out more – Join our Finance and Personnel Committee