Merton residents who spend over 100 hours a year helping others have the chance to enter a draw to win a £250 cash prize.
Merton’s volunteers are being offered the chance to win a cash prize of £250 in a new council initiative.
Volunteers who dedicate over 100 hours a year to helping others are being recognised for their hard work and time.
All those who volunteer in the borough are being asked to register online and describe how they got involved.
The initiative is an attempt to record the amount of volunteers in the borough and to secure more funding for the volunteering sector in the future.
Councillor Henry Nelless, Merton Council cabinet member for community safety and engagement, said: “Volunteers give up their time to provide an excellent service to a variety of organisations and individuals in Merton.
“It is helpful for the council to know how many volunteers there are in the borough so that it can encourage and support volunteering even more in the future.”
The number of registered volunteers will be measured by an online barometer.
Over 600 volunteers, who take part in every aspect of community life and ensure the smooth running of everything from playgroups and hospitals to conservation work, have already registered.
Council representative, Emma Henderson, said: “There are many people who don’t realise how much good they’re doing; those who help out at their children’s football club for example, should also sign up. Everything counts”
The competition, which is now open, can be entered by anyone over 16 who presently volunteers for over 100 hours a year.
As well as the chance to win for themselves all those who register will also be eligible to win a further £1,000 for their organisations.
However if for any reason you are no longer volunteering, never fear. Anyone who has volunteered for over a year since April 2007 can enter.
Prizes will be drawn when the target of 1550 volunteers has been reached.
Register at www.mertoncouncil.gov.uk/ivolunteer.
