DONATE YOURSELF AND HELP MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TO A LOCAL CHARITY

TV star Gok Wan has launched the

Vodafone World of Difference 2012 programme, giving 500 people from across the

UK the opportunity to donate their time to a local charity of their choice and

get paid.

As well as providing support to often-understaffed charities, the programme has so far helped 1500 people bring valuable skills and experience to charitable organisations across the UK.

The World of Difference

programme presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone recently inspired to

consider volunteering.  The World of Difference scheme is also an

excellent introduction to volunteering for those who may not have previous

experience.

For example, Cardiff resident Natalie

Elward volunteered for Bullies Out, having been bullied herself as a child and

then subsequently witnessing bullying as a teacher. Having always wanted to

volunteer for them the World of Difference programme provided her with the

opportunity to do so and to make a real difference to the struggling charity.

Once winners are selected, the

Vodafone Foundation will pay £2,500 to their charities, to cover salary costs,

once tax and National Insurance have been paid. Charities will also receive

£250 towards expenses associated with enrolling and employing the winner. 

Gok comments: "The Vodafone

World of Difference programme really does make a difference to the winners and

charities involved. It's amazing - eight out of ten of those who took part

last year planned to continue their work with their chosen charity after the

programme finished" continued Gok. "I am

honoured to be asked to work with World of Difference again and proud to make

it my mission to let as many people, and charities, as possible know about this

once in a lifetime opportunity."

Charities and individuals wanting to

take part in the Vodafone World of Difference programme should visit vodafone.co.uk/worldofdifference. The website also hosts a Charity Matchmaker tool for those who

want to participate but don't have a specific charity in mind.

Entries close 13 November 2012, with placements starting

in March 2013.