We talk to Gareth Vorley of Thai Children's Trust about living in Thailand, the charity's Let's Make Room campaign, and being a foodie.

How and why did you get into the voluntary sector?  

In 2013 I was working full time as a web content editor, but was looking for an opportunity to use my social media experience in the charitable sector. I started working one day a week as an intern with National Trust London, alongside my main job. This came about via a bit of networking during a 2013 visit to their public opening of the Big Brother House (of all places!). I was then lucky enough to find that Thai Children’s Trust had openings. Now I’m working in the fundraising team and it’s great – I scored the rewarding job I was hoping for! 

What are the most important things you’ve learned in your fundraising career?  

You might think that you’ve heard your message a million times over, but not all of your online audience necessarily have. Brand consistency is everything. Facebook posts with images, and scheduled early in the morning, travel the furthest.  

What do you get up to in your spare time? 

I’m a bit of a foodie – I like to cook and eat Asian food, particularly Thai. In the summer I’m an avid runner, but a little less dedicated in winter. I also try to attend as many gigs as possible, usually at O2 Academy venues. 

What is the most out-of-the-ordinary thing you’ve ever done? 

I studied Thai language for my degree, and as part of this I lived in Thailand for a year and attended a Thai university. I also applied to be on Big Brother twice!

What’s been the best moment of your career?  

My best moment occurred very recently - last month, in fact, when we participated in The Big Give. We’d been pushing the campaign for weeks, and when the morning of the campaign launch arrived I was so worried that nobody would log on to donate. But they did, in droves - we raised almost £50k within about 30 mins. That was great! 

What do you love most about your charity?  

I’ve visited our projects in Thailand, and I’d have to say it’s the people there who dedicate their lives to caring for vulnerable children, and the resilience of the smiling, happy kids that our projects house. It’s really quite amazing.  

What’s the most exciting thing your charity is up to? 

Our Let’s Make Room campaign. It kicked off with The Big Give, but it’s continuing online now. If we can hit our fundraising target of another £20k we will be able to begin work on two brand new homes for 92 orphans living on the Thai border with Burma. I’m excited for that to begin as it directly relates to my online fundraising.   

Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to your ideal dinner party? 

Jade Goody – I want to know how that massive rise and fall felt. She became a very unique celebrity; she was a role model to millions of women with regards to cervical cancer, and ultimately made an immense amount of money from her fame. That level of social pressure must have been tough. Tracey Emin – I love her intensely personal artwork. I’d like to discuss her motivations, and get her take on the reaction to her unique brand of social commentary.John Lasseter (Pixar’s chief creative officer) – he’s responsible for my favourite film characters of all time. I’d have endless questions for him! 

If you won £20m on the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I’d need to contact an investment adviser, because finance isn’t my bag. But I’d definitely pay off my student loan, buy a nice London home (possibly in Richmond) and take my family to Thailand to visit the Thai Children’s Trust projects. 

Gareth Vorley, general and online fundraiser, Thai Children’s Trust