The letter “Be realistic about volunteer numbers” (Jan 19), referred to work, family and leisure time, and stated that “volunteering is an activity when time is in abundance” and that philanthropy “is what must be encouraged”.
The National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s Individual Giving Survey last year showed that volunteers served 66 million hours, comprising gifts of time both big and small.
Besides those who volunteered on a weekly basis, there were also occasional volunteers, who served 15 hours, on average, over a 12-month period. Volunteering may be during or after working hours, on weekdays, weekends and public holidays.
Many volunteers are working adults. Some, such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, taxi drivers, cooks and people from other walks of life, have offered their services free in the course of their work. There are people who volunteer outside of work, combining personal interests with volunteerism and philanthropy; for example, by raising funds for charity through cycling, running and other sports. Some people also volunteer with their families.
Our research has shown a strong connection between volunteerism and philanthropy. Generally, volunteers gave almost four times the amount donated by non-volunteers.
While volunteering takes some time, some acts of kindness take mere moments, such as giving way on the road or in the MRT station. As the Singapore Kindness Movement put it: “One can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.”
We thank all volunteers and donors for their time and money, and encourage those who wish to explore volunteering to visit http://www.sgcares.org or http://ift.tt/1BoZj6B.
The National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s Individual Giving Survey last year showed that volunteers served 66 million hours, comprising gifts of time both big and small.
Besides those who volunteered on a weekly basis, there were also occasional volunteers, who served 15 hours, on average, over a 12-month period. Volunteering may be during or after working hours, on weekdays, weekends and public holidays.
Many volunteers are working adults. Some, such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, taxi drivers, cooks and people from other walks of life, have offered their services free in the course of their work. There are people who volunteer outside of work, combining personal interests with volunteerism and philanthropy; for example, by raising funds for charity through cycling, running and other sports. Some people also volunteer with their families.
Our research has shown a strong connection between volunteerism and philanthropy. Generally, volunteers gave almost four times the amount donated by non-volunteers.
While volunteering takes some time, some acts of kindness take mere moments, such as giving way on the road or in the MRT station. As the Singapore Kindness Movement put it: “One can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.”
We thank all volunteers and donors for their time and money, and encourage those who wish to explore volunteering to visit http://www.sgcares.org or http://ift.tt/1BoZj6B.
