Cyprus-Forum.com

[GorillaGal]

some time ago, i started a thread asking forum members what they do to volunteer and help their community. there mihgt have been one or two expats that admitted, but no one else.
the thread got heated and was eventually locked.
i hope this one does not.

FYI: http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=39762
of, copy and pasted:
You too can be a volunteer
By Marianna Pissa

THE VOLUNTEER Network Project (VNP) yesterday presented their Public Awareness Campaign to promote volunteerism in Cyprus.

Most Cypriots want to offer their help, the organisers said. But research shows 85 per cent of those asked did not offer volunteer work over the last year and 75 per cent had never been volunteers. The main reasons are lack of information over NGOs and the fact that many people are unaware of the wide array of opportunities that Civil Society Organisations in Cyprus can provide to volunteers.

According to the Project Manager, Nadia Karayianni, and Project Co-ordinator Sophia Loukaides, “The campaign is part of the attempt to increase the rate and scope of volunteer participation in Cyprus and to link Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and potential volunteers.”

The slogan, “Be a Volunteer, Make a Difference”, reflects the belief that volunteering is not just about giving but also receiving. Volunteering is about making the difference in someone else’s life, as well as your own. The common belief about volunteerism is that you are giving without receiving any personal gain; the true personal benefits of volunteerism are greatly overlooked. Volunteering can lead the way to new job opportunities, gaining new skills, new friends and networking amongst a diverse group of people.

There are many types of organisations in Cyprus that fall under the umbrella of CSOs. A CSO can be a recreational club or art foundation or it can be an organisation focusing on advocacy or health issues.

One of the major goals is to show potential volunteers that volunteerism can be fun, exciting, and challenging.

“Volunteering is not only about giving but also about receiving,” the support centre strongly believes.

All age groups are welcome to participate in volunteer work and the VNP, based on the information provided by the applicant, will match the prospective volunteer to the NGO of their interest. There are many chances to become involved in something you are truly interested in.

Some of the NGOs/CSOs participating are the Management Centre, the Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF), ADD-ADHD Support, Future World Centre, International Student’s Association , Family Planning Association, Access Arts, Hands Across the Divide and Turkish Cypriot organisations such as AEGEE and the NCDA Dyslexia Association.

The Volunteer Network Project is funded by the UNDP-ACT and USAID and in partnership with the Management Centre.

Volunteering has helped many people to find a career in their desired field, either by improving their CV or putting them in the right position at the right time. For others, volunteering is about giving back to either people or places in need or finding a way of bringing culture into their lives. For whatever reason one chooses to volunteer the benefits are endless.

People wishing to become active volunteers should contact the NGO Support Centre at 22-875099 or visit the website www.volunteercyprus.org



what will you do?

p.s. i think JuneMicahel is in desperate need of volunteers and money for the dog shelter in Limassol. PM june for information.

[junemichael]

There are so many people in Cyprus that are fed up because they are not working or because they are retired and don't know what to do with themselves. There are so many places that need volunteers. Whether you just want to work a few hours once per week or every day there is always a choice and it always help some needy organisation or individual. The Sirius Dog shelter desperately needs help at the dog shelter to clean, feed, walk the dogs or just give a pat and a hug to a dog. If you are afraid of dogs or feel uncomfortable around them then offer your spare time to raising funds that are so desperately needed. We desperately need fosterers too to take care of puppies or sick dogs for whatever time is provided. Please think about helping a desperate and well needed cause.