On the eve of International Volunteer Day, Queensland Liberal Senator, Russell Trood, has urged individuals and businesses to volunteer their time and energy to help charities over the Christmas period.

In 1985 United Nations designated December 5 each year as International Volunteer Day as a way of recognising the valuable efforts and achievements of volunteers around the globe.

“Volunteering offers an enormous opportunity for personal fulfilment. Studies have shown that people who volunteer not only benefit the organisation and the community with their work, but they also experience positive affects on their health and well-being,” Senator Trood said.

“I noted this last month when I gave Seniors Recognition Awards to over-65 volunteers in my local area. The recipients were a spritely, infectiously happy group of people who obviously gained a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction from lending a hand to various community groups,” Senator Trood said.

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, specific health benefits that volunteers might experience include lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of cardio-vascular disease and increased life expectancy.

Helping others by working for an organisation can lead to making new friends, learning new skills and gaining a sense of achievement.

“Charities need help throughout the year but particularly at Christmas, as they try to keep up with providing services to people who may be experiencing hardship,” Senator Trood said.

To help make their contribution, Senator Trood and his electorate staff will be closing his Forest Lake office on the morning of Monday 8 December and be donating their time to help pack baskets for the Smith Family.

“It’s a small gesture to help an organisation that helps so many families in their time of need,” Senator Trood said.

“People are very busy at this time of year, but I would like to encourage those who can, to give some time to the community, as well as to their family and friends.”