From tree planting to theatre

A peace concert in Sri Lanka, tree planting in Congo and children’s theatre in Albania are among the activities that will this year mark International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5.

Established by a United Nations resolution in 1985, IVD is billed as a unique opportunity for government agencies, non-profit bodies, community groups, the private sector and volunteer-involving organisations to work together to attain common goals.

Celebrations vary in theme but over recent years have often focused on volunteers’ contributions to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. This year is also the fifth anniversary of the UN-proclaimed International Year of Volunteers.

The EU institutions will on 5 December mark IVD as the European Parliament hosts a public hearing in Brussels called Mainstreaming Volunteering in EU Policy.

• For more information about worldwide IVD activities see www.worldvolunteerweb.org/intl-volunteer-day.html

A peace concert in Sri Lanka, tree planting in Congo and children’s theatre in Albania are among the activities that will this year mark International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5.