'Saintly' volunteers needed

Be a Saint Day is an annual day of volunteering which encourages employers to release their employees for a day to get involved in practical help for a range of charities.  The day is organised by Business in the Community and Volunteer Now, supported by SPAR.

Volunteers will be treated to a delicious breakfast on the morning of the event at The Bobbin Café in Belfast City Hall.

Hilary Hanberry, Volunteering Manager, Business in the Community explains: “The tasks are all practical and include: painting, renovating or making over a green area – ideal for people of all fitness levels. The challenges benefit a variety of voluntary and community groups from cross-community playgroups to animal charities.

"It is important for employers to support their staff to volunteer,” explains Sam Davidson, HR Director at Henderson Group owners of the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland, and sponsor of Business in the Community’s volunteering programme Cares. He adds: “It enables employees to engage with local communities and actively support the work they do. Last year 350 caring volunteers gave nearly 3,000 hours to local organisations, making a real difference in the lives of hundreds of local people. We’re hoping for a great turn out again this year.”

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now encourages: “Volunteers make a tremendous contribution to communities across Northern Ireland; many local organisations wouldn’t be able to deliver services deeply valued by many people without their time and dedication. This day of volunteering action is a great way for volunteers to make a difference in the community and have some fun at the same time.”

The closing date for registration is Friday 20 February. Please e-mail [email protected] or call (028) 9046 0606 to register.

Or, if you are a voluntary and community organisation and would like to put forward a group volunteering opportunity, e-mail [email protected] or call (028) 9023 2020 or

For more information on visit www.bitcni.org.uk or www.volunteernow.co.uk