Thousands of people across the UK are giving up their Saturday to get a taste of volunteering.
Thousands of people across the UK are giving up their Saturday to get a taste of volunteering.
They are being invited to take part in activities, from world record attempts to building an entirely recycled greenhouse to helping in charity shops.
They were taking part in activities, from world record attempts to building an entirely recycled greenhouse, to helping in charity shops.
Community Service Volunteers (CSV), which organises the day, says about half the population already volunteer.
Community Service Volunteers (CSV), which organises the day, says about half the population already volunteers.
Former Tory leader Michael Howard and former Labour home secretary Charles Clarke are among 70 MPs involved.
Former Tory leader Michael Howard and former Labour home secretary Charles Clarke are among 70 MPs involved.
Mr Michael Howard is helping out in his local Barnado's charity shop in Folkestone, Kent, and Mr Clarke is joining volunteers in the organisation's Norwich branch.
Mr Howard is helping out in his local Barnado's charity shop in Folkestone, Kent, and Mr Clarke is joining volunteers in the organisation's Norwich branch.
Mr Howard, who worked at the Barnado's shop in Hythe, Kent last year, said he was "delighted to play my small part".
Mr Howard said he was "delighted to play my small part".
He added: "It seeks to help draw to the forefront the importance that volunteers play in helping the less well-off members of our society."
He added: "It seeks to help draw to the forefront the importance that volunteers play in helping the less well-off members of our society."
CSV organiser Jason Tanner said the day was not about putting hands in pockets but about giving up time.
CSV organiser Jason Tanner said the day was not about putting hands in pockets but about giving up time.
He said many of those who volunteered reported feeling healthier and less stressed as a result of their work for a good cause.
He said many of those who volunteered reported feeling healthier and less stressed as a result of their work for a good cause.
Other events include a flash mob dancing to Michael Jackson's song Thriller in Liverpool to raise the profile of people with multiple sclerosis, and office workers in Darlington building a greenhouse from recycled plastic bottles.
Other events include a flash mob dancing to Michael Jackson's song Thriller in Liverpool to raise the profile of people with multiple sclerosis, and office workers in Darlington building a greenhouse from recycled plastic bottles.
Will you be taking part in volunteer day? What activity will you be doing? Why are you volunteering your time? Send us your comments using the form below:
Will you be taking part in volunteer day? What activity will you be doing? Why are you volunteering your time? Send us your comments using the form below:
