Caritas urged persons who care, and wish to do something positive with their free time, to contact them on 2590 6600, where the Volunteer Unit will give them any information they may wish to obtain. Information may also be obtained by e-mailing [email protected].

Volunteering, Caritas said, has for a long time been an essential element of Maltese charitable organisations. Caritas Malta owes its origin to a group of 20 volunteers, who under the direction of Mgr Victor Grech, developed it into today’s organisation.

Volunteers, who are very active in the various areas of its activities, speak of a sense of fullfilment that they acquire from working with people in need and regard this as one of the main motivators.

Yet, their social commitment also gives them the opportunity of gaining experience and new skills within a professional organisation, something worthwhile to enrich their free time and, most of all, to make a difference to society.

There is no age limit to being a volunteer. Young persons, keen to put into practice newly acquired skills or knowledge, will find the opportunity to do so. More mature persons may find the opportunity in voluntary work to appreciate talents which today’s fast lifestyles tend to relegate into the background. Retired persons, too, are finding rewards in voluntary work which gives new life to their sense of being useful to others.

There are opportunities for voluntary work with Caritas Malta particularly in its centres for rehabilitation from drug abuse and to work as receptionists.

Voluntary work is given at the convenience of the volunteer, and this usually matches the needs of the organisation.

A case in point is work done in the rehabilitation centres, which includes the supervision of children of residents during family visits to the centres, and a daily courier service lasting about one-and-a-half hours.