2010 will become a Year of Volunteering

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 5th Jun 2009

This week (June 1 - 7) is the 25th anniversary of Volunteers Week, celebrating the contribution volunteers make to society. To mark the occasion the Leader of Council, Cllr Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) has repeated his call to raise the profile of volunteering in Leeds.

It is estimated that 73 per cent of adults volunteered their time in 2007, either formally or informally. Cllr Brett hopes that through making 2010 a Year of Volunteering many more Leeds' residents will be encouraged to take part.

Plans for a city-centre shop are being discussed, giving people a place to get more information about volunteering or register their interest. It is hoped the private sector will also help out this worthy cause.

Speaking of his plans Cllr Brett said:

"It is fantastic that volunteers are recognised for their great works during Volunteers Week. I want to raise the profile of volunteering in Leeds, especially during these difficult times.

"There are plenty of opportunities for people to give a little time to a worthy cause. By making 2010 the Year of Volunteering we hope to encourage as many as possible to do what they can.

"Hopefully we can soon make an announcement on our plans for the year, but in the mean time I want to thank all the organisations in Leeds for their much valued help."