The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Andrew Jones, will commence his third annual Volunteer Week on 14 November following the success of his previous volunteer weeks.
Andrew spent six days volunteering at various organisations in 2010 and 2011 to encourage more people to offer their time to charities in the area and he will be doing it all again, with a new set of charities and organisations, next week.
He will start the week at Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group on Wednesday 14 November where he will helping out at the riding school.
For the rest of the week Andrew will be helping at the Scope charity shop in Knaresborough, marshalling at the Harrogate Park Run, preparing and delivering meals with Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association, sorting books at the Bilton and Woodfield Library, presenting Harrogate Hospital Radio and helping with admin at Harrogate Citizens Advice Bureau to name but a few of his engagements.
Andrew said:
This is a really important week because it gives me a chance to promote the value of volunteering in the community.
Voluntary work benefits the organisation where the volunteer works and also the volunteer themselves.
Volunteers acquire new skills, make new friends and help keep our community vibrant and healthy.
Before becoming a Member of Parliament I volunteered for a number of local causes such as Fair Trade and Plastic Bag Free Harrogate. I found volunteering rewarding and want to encourage more people to get involved. Now I am an MP I support a much wider range of charities and voluntary groups and encourage others to get involved too.
Andrew will be keeping a blog during the week so people can see what he has been doing in real-time and learn more about the charity or organisation for which he has been volunteering.
To read the blog visit: www.volunteerweek2012.wordpress.com
