Resolve to be a volunteer

A NEW campaign asking the population of Scotland to volunteer as part of their New Year's resolution has been launched to support the European Year of Volunteering 2011.

The campaign, launched at Waverley station by Alyn Smith Scottish MEP and Neil Mitchison, European Commission representative for Scotland, aims to highlight the key benefits to individuals interested in volunteering and hopes to encourage more people in Scotland to help within their community. It is hoped that there will be an increase in volunteering by about 11 per cent throughout the country.

George Lyon MEP said: "Every year millions of people around Europe decide to give up some of their free time to volunteer. 2011 will mark the European Year of Volunteering which will celebrate the work of these volunteers, as well as encourage others to follow in their footsteps."