Business in the Community is hoping for a large increase in the number of volunteers that take part in Give and Gain Day, a corporate volunteering event set up to benefit deprived communities in major UK cities.

The business membership charity said it hoped to involve 6,000 volunteers in this year's event, which will be held on 9 July. At last year's Give and Gain Day, which was the first, 4,300 people volunteered to work in community projects in 45 UK locations.

BITC is encouraging companies that do not wish to allow employees to take part to consider offering eight-hour work placements to people who might benefit from the experience, such as students or unemployed people.

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community, said: "We want UK companies, big and small, to offer their employees the chance to volunteer. It gives communities the boost they need during these tough times and can be the catalyst or cement in lasting relationships between them and local companies."

Article published on Third Sector Online (19 February 2010): Click Here