2011 SHOULD BE THE YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING SAY MEPs (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

2011 SHOULD BE THE YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING SAY MEPs

July 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Everyone can name an extraordinary individual who manages to find that extra little bit of time in their week to volunteer for a cause they believe in.Over 100 million - one in five - Europeans of all ages, beliefs and nationalities volunteer.

Now MEPs are calling for the work of volunteers to be recognised by declaring 2011 the European Year of Volunteering. So far over 451 Euro MPs, including Fiona Hall MEP for Newcastle, have signed the European Parliamentary written declaration, which looks to highlight the all-round benefits of volunteering.

Fiona believes that dedicating a year to volunteering and volunteers would reflect the important contribution the sector makes to life in the North East today. This ranges from the economic - with the voluntary sector contributing an average 5% GDP to national economies - to the social. A 2006 Eurobarometer survey revealed that close to 80% of respondents feel that voluntary activities are an important part of democratic life.

"I read about the amazing work of volunteers from the Newcastle every time I open a paper and am fortunate to have visited many projects in the region which owe much of their success to the hard work and support of volunteers" Fiona said.

"As more and more people give up their free time to volunteer for projects they believe in, I think it is only right that we honour their commitment by endorsing a year of volunteering".