More than 90 MPs have pledged support for this year’s CSV Make a Difference Day on Saturday 30th October. They’ll be meeting with CSV’s charity ambassador, Pop Mogul, Pete Waterman at Portcullis House on Wednesday 13th October in the build up to the UK’s biggest single day of volunteering.

The list of MPs pledging their support include Theresa Villiers, Minster of State for Transport and Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet; Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central and is currently the Shadow Leader for the House of Commons; and Alistair Carmichael, Deputy Chief Whip for the House of Commons and Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland.

Last year, Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society backed a project to help clean up the River Pinn in his constituency. Clearing the river helped the preparation for a conservation project for volunteers to plant bulbs of threatened species such as bluebells, snowdrops, daffodils and wild garlic.

CSV Ambassador, Pete Waterman, said: “I am urging people of all ages to get involved to transform their local community into a beautiful area. Plant bulbs ready for spring in the local park, dig out the old abandoned shopping trolley from a neglected pond, or perhaps a put a fresh lick of paint to a rusty play area – I’ve seen at first hand the positive impact that giving time can have on the lives of others. “

This is the 15th Make a Difference Day organised by CSV the UK’s leading volunteering charity. Nearly three quarters of a million people have taken part so far. This year the campaign is also encouraging families to volunteer together to help others after new research shows that families feel time poor. By getting all the family involved everyone will benefit from giving some time to others.

You can register for CSV Make a Difference Day now to receive free resources to help create an inspirational volunteer project. So whether you want to take part with your company, school, community group, or even go it alone, get in touch now by visiting www.csv.org.uk/difference or calling FREEPHONE 0800 284 533.

Notes for Editors:

For further press information Francesca Toma on 020 7812 0037/ 07966 168686 or Jason Tanner on 020 7812 0038 / 07941 433598

CSV Make a Difference Day takes place on Saturday 30 October 2010 and activities take part a week either side. Nearly three quarters of a million people have taken part since the launch of CSV Make a Difference Day in 1996, and thousands more are expected to give time rather than money to improve their local community this year. The campaign is organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers).

CSV creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action.

The Family Time Survey was commissioned by CSV Make a Difference Day and conducted by ICM. ICM interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2000 adults aged 18+ in GB via online between 9th and 14th July 2010. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.  100 children aged 11-17 were polled randomly across GB, fifty aged 11-14 and fifty aged 15-17. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk