Posted on 1st October 2009
A new initiative aims to use the spirit of volunteering engendered by the London 2012 Olympics to inspire 100,000 people to to donate their time to a range of other good causes between now and 2013. The aim is to attract 70,000 first-time volunteers.
The project launched by Volunteering England and YouthNet this week aims to sign-up 1,500 volunteer-involving organisations to enable anyone inspired by the Olympic ideals to find volunteering opportunities.
Justin Davis Smith, chief executive of Volunteering England said, “The 2012 London Games present a fantastic opportunity for volunteering. We want to capture this energy and inspire future generations to volunteer.”
The Office of the Third Sector is funding the project, which will build on YouthNet’s online national database of volunteering opportunities, Do-it.
Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said, “These opportunities will give 100,000 individuals, 70,000 of whom will have never volunteered before, a valuable and unique opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.”
Fiona Dawe, YouthNet chief executive, said, “This project will play a vital role in ensuring new volunteers are able to channel their energy and enthusiasm into volunteering, benefitting our community in the run-up to the Olympics, Paralympics, and beyond.”
