The Centre on Philanthropy wants your support to reach its goal of registering 4,000 volunteers in 400 days.

So far more than 2,700 new volunteers have got involved and registered their details at www.volunteer.bm.

And with ten months to go until the end date of August 28 they are hopeful they can reach their target.

As part of our Dare to Care campaign we are highlighting the initiative, in honour of the Island's 400th anniversary.

It is our hope that The Centre on Philanthropy will reach and possibly even exceed its target.

Jennifer Adams, The Centre's development and engagement manager said: "We often talk about how 'back in the day' Bermuda was a place where people looked out for each other, how neighbourhoods were more than just houses on a block, but a community that helped each other.

"The more people that give time either through formal volunteering, by helping a neighbour, or by extending a helping hand to a stranger, the closer we as a nation will get to that place again."

According to The Centre's communications manager Kristin White, volunteering also provides that feel-good factor, knowing you are making a positive difference in someone's life.

She said: "There is so much research that shows people that volunteer are happier people.

"It's a way to meet new friends, we also say it's Bermuda's best dating service because you are meeting people that share the same views as you."

Volunteering is also a great outlet for people new to the Island and a great way for people to boost their resume, added Ms Adams. According a survey by The Centre in 2005, 44 percent of residents were involved with some sort of volunteering.

Ms Adams said this ranked among the best in the world, with many other countries averaging between 20 to 30 percent.

However, there are still many people who want to and should be doing more The Centre's website can show them how to do this.

Ms White explained: "People want to do more. There are another ten to 20 percent who would give more time if they had time to give, if they had employers who would allow them to give time, that fits their schedule."

As a result The Centre has been working with employers at companies such as HSBC and A.F. Smith and teaching them to use a team tracker page at www.volunteer.bm.

The 'team tracker' allows all employees to log their time, and allows their bosses to see who is volunteering and in which area be it with animals, youth or seniors.

This information can be then used for friendly in-office competitions and may result in rewards.

The Centre also believe there are volunteers who don't see the point of registering their details with www.volunteer.bm, but Ms. White says there are many benefits to doing this.

"The fact that you are already volunteering is great, but one reason we want you to sign up on the system is so that Bermuda can have a central place for where all volunteers can come.

"And you may find an additional volunteer position that you can get excited about, just like you are excited about what you are doing now," she said.

The website also allows people to search for volunteering positions based on a variety of criteria; if they only have one hour a week or a particular interest or skill they can find volunteering positions for that.

Ms Adams calls the website a "one stop shop", adding: "It really is very easy to search for whatever you are trying to find."

* For more information on the volunteer options on the Island, or to register your details, please visit www.volunteer.bm and help The Centre on Philanthropy reach its 4,000 target.