Give a little TIME, make a BIG difference this Christmas

This ChristmasTIME campaign aims to encourage more people to get involved in a one-off or short volunteering opportunity as part of their festive celebrations.

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now explains, “Many charities and community organisations need extra help around Christmas with their festive  volunteering opportunities – from Santa Helpers at a grotto or fair, to carol singing to raise funds, or wrapping presents as part of Christmas fundraising.   By giving as little as an hour of your time to volunteer for one of these roles you can make a big difference to an organisation or a cause.   The added bonus is that it’s fun and you come away feeling good too.  It’s a win-win for everyone!”

 One organisation who is embracing the call for ChristmasTIME volunteers is Belfast Activity Centre who are organising a Santa Woodland Trail at Ardaluin House in Newcastle.   Andrea Kilpatrick, Development Manager BAC, is recruiting a rota of volunteers for this magical location and says;

“We have a wide range of roles available for this unique Christmas experience so anyone who would be interested in helping as guides, photographers, traffic marshalls, prop maintenance or arts & crafts activities can register through Volunteer Now.   All proceeds from this event will be used to continue developing the great work that Ardaluin Regeneration Trust and Belfast Activity Centre undertake with young people who have disabilities or who come from disadvantaged communities and backgrounds.”

 To have a look at festive volunteer opportunities  available in an area near you go to www.volunteernow.co.uk and choose ‘ChristmasTIME’ from the volunteer search activity list.