Over 67,000 people took part in CSV Make a Difference Day on 31 October 2009, with more than 2,500 activities taking place across the UK.

We are proud to say that over 750,000 people have been involved in the campaign since it began in 1996 – a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part over the years.

In 2009, thousands took part through simple acts of kindness, in addition to the hundreds of other fantastic activities across the country. In order to get the kindness flowing, we sent out our CSV Make a Difference Day Kindness Kits.

Celebrities that rallied to make a difference in 2009

A wide variety of stars from the world of TV and radio got firmly behind the campaign last year.

Celebrities endorsing the campaign included Chris Tarrant, Pete Waterman, Ben Fogle, Kate Humble, Twiggy, Gillian McKeith, Aggie MacKenzie, Emma Forbes and Arthur Smith.

Chris Tarrant said, "Volunteers do a great job and make a huge difference to people's lives in this country. A big thank you to all of them; keep up the good work! I would urge everyone to join in on Make a Difference Day - everyone has something to offer".

How Clean is Your House? hygiene expert and presenter, Aggie Mackenzie, said, "CSV Make a Difference Day is all about giving time rather than money. As a presenter of How Clean Is Your House? I've seen some of the effects of isolation and been delighted by the difference a clean and ordered house can make to someone's emotional wellbeing as well as their living space. Whether you drop in on a neighbour who needs a bit of help in tidying their house or garden, or just to have a chat, your efforts can make a huge impact on someone else's life".

Self-confessed 'Grumpy Old Man' and south London comedian Arthur Smith showed his softer side and commented, "Make a Difference Day is a chance to celebrate being kind. Helping others is really the essence of being alive. I reckon it makes you live longer too."

Casualty's Georgia Taylor, said, "CSV Make a Difference Day is your chance to give a little time to make a big difference. Volunteering can take many forms from a simple act of kindness such as visiting an isolated neighbour, to a bigger commitment like helping children to read in a local school. Volunteers are often 'prescribed' by doctors to offer a listening ear to patients who may feel afraid or alone, or who simply need a friendly face to help them attend appointments. This support can accelerate a patients' recovery and offer reassurance for loved ones."

2009 in pictures

Take a look at some of the award-winning photos in our Flickr slideshow below for a taste of the fantastic projects organised by volunteers up and down the country for the 2009 campaign!

Looking ahead to October 2010

This year's campaign will take place on 30 October 2010 - make sure you are signed up to In Touch, the eNewsletter for CSV Make a Difference Day, for regular updates about the campaign, or click here to see more information about how you can get involved.