Recognising Volunteers Worldwide

International Volunteer Day (IVD) was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteering and takes place each year on December 5th.

This is an opportunity for volunteers, and volunteer organisations, to raise awareness of, and gain understanding for, the contribution they make to their communities. It is also viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NG0’s), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.

The theme for 2018 is ‘Volunteers build Resilient Communities’, and recognises volunteers worldwide – with a special focus on local community volunteers.  Across the UK the voluntary sector, and charities dedicated to volunteering, work hard to promote the social benefits of volunteering and the positive impacts it has on communities and individuals.

Volunteer Now is the lead organisation in Northern Ireland, and works to promote, develop and support volunteering.  At the moment they have two not-so-local volunteers who are immersing themselves in the local community through the European Voluntary Service Programme.   Belen and Cristina are from Spain and are helping with a wide range of volunteering activity.  Currently the girls are promoting Volunteer Now’s #ChristmasTIME campaign, which aims to encourage more people throughout Northern Ireland to get involved in a one-off or a short volunteering opportunity as part of their festive celebrations.

Denise Hayward, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now explains:

“Many charities and community organisations need extra help around Christmas  – from helping with a food drive, wrapping presents as part of Christmas fundraising, helping at parties or events to helping Santa at his Grotto!

“By giving as little as an hour of your time to volunteer for one of these roles you can make a huge difference to an organisation, a cause, or a family in need. The added bonus is that it’s fun and you come away feeling good, too.  It’s win-win for everyone!”

The American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead (1901 – 1978) once said:

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have“. Wise words indeed.

To find out more about Volunteer Now’s #ChristmasTIME, please visit: http://www.volunteernow.co.uk or follow Volunteer Now’s Twitter and Facebook accounts