The Centre on Philanthropy is looking for a few men and women to help them reach their goal of 4,000 volunteers Island-wide.

In honour of the Island's 400th anniversary, the organisation is looking to attract an additional 1,571 persons to raise the total number of volunteers to 4,000.

Its hope is that a new ad campaign sponsored by RenaissanceRe will help reach the goal within 400 days since the organisation launched its website volunteer.bm in 2007, 2,429 volunteers have registered.

The Centre's communications manager Kristin White said yesterday: "We were waiting to make a real drive until the system was well established, and we had a lot of positions for volunteers.

"I think with the push we've been doing from the start of the month, 4,000 volunteers is something we can achieve."

The new campaign, marked by the tag line 'Everyone Can Lend a Hand', started July 6, with the 400-day deadline falling on August 9, 2010.

According to Ms White, with the current economic climate, many people between jobs are looking for volunteer work.

"People who aren't working, while they're looking, are volunteering to sharpen their skills. It's a chance to refresh your older skills, and develop new skills," she said.

Positions available range from tag days and general event assistance, to mentoring and working as a shop clerk.

Those who sign up on the website will be matched to one of 181 charities based on their abilities and interests.

"People can search for volunteer positions based on availability, skills, interests, and even whether the position is suitable for their age," said Ms White. "This is especially useful for students seeking community service.

"Some people can give a couple of hours a week, some a couple of hours a month, and some, perhaps, only a couple of hours a year. Whatever you can give will surely be appreciated by a charity in need of assistance."

Along with print and radio advertisements calling for volunteers, The Centre will be releasing new promotional materials.

Ms White stressed the importance of volunteering, saying: "We will only be able to ensure Bermuda continues to be successful by cultivating a giving society, one that recognises how important it is to help each other and meet the social needs of all citizens.

"As Bermuda celebrates 400 years, we thought it fitting to run a special programme for 400 days, seeking to raise the number of people registered in our system to 4,000."

To help promote the programme, the first ten people who call the Centre on Philanthropy office and ask about the new promotion will be given a free car sun shade.

Ms White encouraged all those interested to visit volunteer.bm and sign up to find a way to volunteer in the community.