Post by keith on Jan 27, 2012 20:31:00 GMT 1
Volunteering in Yorkshire increases
Kind-hearted Yorkshire and Humberside residents helped worthy causes last year with 59% volunteering in activities ranging from helping out at schools, hospitals or charity shops.
The figures on volunteering have been collated by insurance company Zurich who questioned more than 2,000 adults and just over half said they volunteered in at least one activity in 2011.
The majority of the 59% of Yorkshire and Humberside residents who said they had given up their time for free were women and older people.
Paul Emery, of Zurich, said: "It is encouraging to see that despite time and money both being tight over the last year, so many people volunteer.
"It is essential that everyone can see the big range of volunteering activities they can take part in, whether it's watering next door's plants or caring for an elderly neighbour."
Civil Society Minister Nick Hurd added the news was very positive particularly in a time of economic difficulty.
Mr Hurd said: "It just goes to show that we all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit so it's vital that we keep up the pace of reform and make it easier for more people to take part.
"The Government wants to support volunteers and to make it easier for people to do their bit."