Don't make counting calories and going to the gym your only New Year's resolutions make it a priority to give back to the community.

That was the message from Jennifer Burland Adams, the Development and Engagement Manager for The Centre on Philanthropy, which is backing The Royal Gazette's Dare to Care campaign.

The campaign launched last month aims to encourage people to carry out acts of kindness whether it's giving up time to volunteer for a charity or just giving up your seat on the bus for an elderly person.

Mrs Adams said: "If you have time to join a gym, you have time to volunteer.

"If you have time to get organised, you have time to volunteer. If you have time to get a makeover, clean out your closet or get over a bad relationship, you have time to volunteer.

"You can volunteer for as little as one hour and that one hour will make a difference. Our local charities would not survive without the help of volunteers.

"Can you imagine a Bermuda without the National Trust, the Bermuda Zoological Society (the Aquarium's charitable arm) or the Sunshine League?"

Gavin Smith, of Chewstick Foundation, whose programmes give young people and prison inmates an opportunity to use poetry, rap and song as a positive outlet, also encouraged people to make 2010 a year that counts.

"In 2009 we had some pretty tragic events from losing Julian Hall and Nelson Bascome, to the violence in the streets," he said. "I think it has given us great incentive and opportunity to make 2010 the year of personal commitment to becoming part of the solution and walking the walk, rather than simply talking the talk."

Major Doug Lewis from the Salvation Army added: "We have the opportunity to reverse the downward spiral in 2010 through volunteerism. We can all make a difference.

"It's going to be a tough year and it will take a while for us to get out of the recession that has hit us. So the need is going to increase before it decreases, which means we all have a part to play to help one another. We are not our brother's keeper, we are our brother's brother."

Kim Swan, leader of the United Bermuda Party, has made a New Year's resolution to challenge himself and others to live "a more wholesome lifestyle grounded in love for humanity, kindness and forgiveness".

He said: "The Dare to Care campaign not only challenges us but it presents an alternative to the apathy that is allowing wrong-doing to take root and flourish. Bermuda needs our people to Dare to Care in 2010 and beyond."

Michael Fahy, one of the founding members of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA), said: "The Alliance encourages all of Bermuda's community to step forward to give that time to make Bermuda that extra bit special in the New Year.

"In particular, given the increase of youth violence in recent years, volunteering for youth organisations would be especially useful.

"No matter how busy you are, giving your time, even if for a couple hours per year, makes Bermuda a better place to live. There is no shortage of organisations in Bermuda willing to help, but often they can't do as much as they would like due to a lack of volunteers."

"The campaign by The Royal Gazette to encourage people to volunteer in the community is a noble one. Giving back whether it be through serving food to those in need, giving your time to a youth group, sports team or charitable organisation is incredibly important. Everyone in Bermuda has something to be thankful for."