Stars rally nation to Make a Difference

A host of stars from the world of TV and radio is rallying the nation to give time for free as part of this year’s CSV Make a Difference Day, the UK biggest single day of volunteering.  As the countdown begins to Saturday 31 October, thousands of events are being planned across the UK.

Top names include 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.  The charities I work with all rely on volunteers for everything from answering calls and sending out information to on the ground stuff like befriending isolated people, reading with children in schools to improve literacy skills and helping the oodles of environmental projects that take place improving our waterways and open spaces to protect threatened species.  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".

Many charity shops are taking part again this year, including some in Aggie’s home town of Aviemore.  Volunteers are very welcome to volunteer at the Sue Ryder charity shop for Make a Difference Day, and beyond by getting in touch via the CSV Activity locator on the website www.csv.org.uk/difference

‘Grumpy Old Man’, comedian Arthur Smith from South London, 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.”

Fellow South Londoner, Mary McGowan, from the Lyndons Arts Trust, is planning an arts activity day with a school for marginalized children in East End London.  With the help of local arts students, the children will be taught about conservation and wildlife through creating large scale collages and then digitally downsized versions.

Pete Waterman, one of CSV Make a Difference Day’s ambassadors said: “The feel good factor from giving time to benefit a cause or other people can be infectious. The effect can be caused by something as simple as a ‘random act of kindness’ such as baking a cake for an elderly neighbour or picking up litter on your street through to building shelters for wildlife or having a tea and chat with a homeless person.”

Emma Forbes, TV and radio presenter said "Smiling is addictive and will instantly improve your mood as well as those around you.  Why not find an activity you enjoy and are doing anyway such as shopping or baking, and see if there is someone who would appreciate the help or a treat this Make a Difference Day.  It's a great way to meet the neighbours we unfortunately often view as strangers."
In London, where Emma resides, volunteer Rebecca Dallison is organising a whole week of volunteering activities as part of Lee Valley volunteers week to clean up Cheshunt.  Volunteers will take part in different tasks throughout the day. These will include: scrub clearing, litter picking, Japanese Knotweed removal and potentially a small River Lea clean up. Volunteers will be given lunch and a chance to hear about the Olympic Water Course being built nearby.

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.”

Pauline McKittrick, from Georgia’s home town of Wigan, is organising multiple volunteering activities together with local community groups. Volunteers can join in with activities such as knitting and crafts, which will take place at various shopping centres throughout the area. 

This year CSV Make a Difference Day takes place on Saturday 31 October, with activities taking place the two weeks either side.  Whether you want to take part with your company, school, community group, or even go it alone with your own random act of kindness, get in touch now by visiting www.csv.org.uk/difference or calling FREEPHONE 0800 284 533.

Further press information: Melissa Goss, CSV Make a Difference Day Press Office on 020 7812 0037 or email: mgoss@csv.org.uk Out of office hours: 07725 808 052 or Jason Tanner 07941 433 598. 

Notes for editors

CSV Make a Difference Day takes place on Saturday 31 October 2009 and activities take part a week either side. Over half 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 (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. Last year 167,064 people gave their time as volunteers through CSV. The charity trained 12, 196 people of all ages.