5th December is International Volunteer Day

All around the world and here in Singapore, each and every day, many volunteers give their time and talent.  Reaching out to the less fortunate and the marginalised, caring for animals, sustaining the environment and in many other ways, their care and good deeds make our community and our lives a little more pleasant.

Indeed, the United Nations General Assembly have since 1985 called upon governments and civil society organisations to mark 5th December as the day to celebrate the International Volunteer Day (IVD).  It is a day to commemorate, honour and appreciate the efforts and contributions of volunteers who are such an invaluable resource to society.

We at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, would like you, organisations who engage volunteers to further your cause and mission, to vivify IVD and the spirit of volunteerism by celebrating with your volunteers (e.g., Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Volunteer Awards Day) and creating more volunteer opportunities in the month of December and especially on 5^th December itself.  If you would like some ideas, have a look at the http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org and be inspired by how different countries around the world celebrate IVD.

Let us know how you intend to mark and celebrate IVD.  We can help to enhance your publicity efforts.  Simply fill out the attached form and return it to us by 9th November with details of the contact person for any follow-up.  We will collate and compile the list to share with the media who may then contact your representative should they require details.

We have every intention to make IVD even bigger each year.  We hope that one day, volunteering is a way of life and becomes a regular conversation topic with people comparing notes on where they serve.  Wouldn’t that be great!?

Do partner us in promoting volunteerism.  To mobilize everyone in Singapore to be active in some form of volunteer work.  To nurture a socially engaged and vibrant Singapore we all call home.  We entreat you to join our quest by beginning to celebrate IVD this coming 5th December.

More information can be found in the extra info section or at http://www.sgcares.org/public/VHO/SGCares_P_VHO_Home.aspx