Three Flexible Ways to Volunteer When You’re Time Poor

Are you too busy to commit to volunteering every week? Don’t worry, here are three ways you can still give back to good causes.

From first aiders and fundraisers to dog walkers and drivers, it’s time to celebrate Britain’s vast army of volunteers.

Next week is Volunteers’ Week (June 2 to 8), a chance for us all to recognise the contribution of the nation’s 13 million volunteers.

This dedicated bunch performs a variety of practical and social roles in charities and grassroots organisations.

As well as rolling up their sleeves and getting useful tasks done, they brighten (and sometimes save) lives.

They also protect the environment, help sick and injured animals and nurture the sporting stars of the future.

If you’ve always fancied the idea of volunteering, but can’t quite make it work with your busy schedule, there is another way.

These days, there are many flexible ways you can make a difference.

Parkrun

Can you spare an hour or two on weekends every now and then? Then why not marshal or time-keep at the nation’s biggest grassroots sporting event?

Parkrun organises more than 1,300 free 5k and 2k events across the UK every week. Events take place on Saturdays and Sundays, and participants either run, walk or jog.

With Parkrun, you can volunteer as little or often as you like throughout the year.

Get in touch with your local Parkrun and join the volunteer rota today.

One-off community events

Summer fetes, flower shows and car boot sales are great fundraisers for local organisations.

But often the organisers are crying out for people who can help run stalls, serve drinks or set up on the day.

Signing up to help at a special event means you can put the date in your diary and set the necessary time aside.

Online roles

Online volunteering is a great way to put your skills to good use from the comfort of your own home.

Websites such as Catchafire list a host of skills-based volunteering opportunities that you can do online.

Volunteers can work through tasks such as video editing, translating and accounting at their own pace and at a time that suits them best.

You could find yourself helping a non-profit organisation from anywhere in the world.

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