Singapore youths deployed to Orchard Rd to encourage more to volunteer

Channel NewsAsia 6 Dec 07;

SINGAPORE : People at Orchard Road may soon find themselves being approached by youths who will talk to them about volunteering their time for charity.

It is part of an effort to mark International Volunteers Day, which falls on Wednesday.

Starting Wednesday, and for the whole of December, some 500 youths will be deployed to solicit donations. But they are not asking for money, they are looking for manpower hours.

The aim is to secure online pledges of at least 50,000 hours from members of the public, to volunteer at more than 50 charities.

The effort is part of the month-long "Giving from the Heart at The Atrium" festival, which celebrates volunteerism.

Organisers hope to make volunteering a lifestyle choice and not just an occasional act.

The festival will also feature 50 retail and novelty stalls, performances and a 300-square-metre skating rink.

The venue is at the open space between Plaza Singapore and Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

Those who would like to volunteer can go to www.bank4u.org , or call the hotline at 1800 968 2265.

The event is hosted by youth charity Heartware Network, and supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports; the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and the Singapore Community Development Council.

The community partners are Maybank, the Singapore Police Force, The Atrium @ Orchard, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Serangoon Junior College. - CNA/ms