VSO celebrations

11:21am Tuesday 26th February 2008

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For 50 years people from the UK have been helping poor communities overseas through international development charity VSO.

In its 50th anniversary year VSO is challenging more people to volunteer and discover what their skills could do to help tackle global poverty.

Over 32,000 people from all over the world have been VSO volunteers since 1958.

Working in countries from Bangladesh to Zambia volunteers have changed their lives and made a real difference to thousands of others.

Judith Brodie, Director of VSO UK says: "VSO believes that people can make a real difference to other people and so we focus on linking people together to share skills and experience to learn from each other.

"There is so much to gain from volunteering with VSO, not only the experience of living in a different country, but also an insight into how the world operates.

"Volunteering is a two-way process, so as well as the volunteers going to share their skills they also learn a lot too.

"Coming back to the UK volunteers can share what they've learnt and so bring their two communities together."

In March VSO will be celebrating its anniversary with three events in Edinburgh, Bristol and London. For more details and to book tickets visit www.vso.org.uk/50th or call 020 8780 7500.

If you were ever a VSO volunteer the charity wants you to get in touch, so you can be invited to the events happening throughout 2008. Email 50th@vso.org.uk or call 020 8780 7500.