A charitable organisation which set a goal to register 4,000 new volunteers to a website in 400 days has reached its target.

The Centre on Philanthropy ended the scheme — in honour of the Island's 400th Anniversary celebrations — after signing up 4,146 volunteers on Thursday.

Through a vigorous media and advertising campaign they attracted thousands of new users to volunteer.bm — an online volunteer matching site.

Volunteer.bm is the first of its kind in Bermuda and according to Jennifer Burland Adams, Development and Engagement Manager at the Centre, is a one-stop-shop for volunteering.

Mrs. Adams said the organisation was hoping to celebrate the Island's 400th Anniversary in a big way — by telling people about the scores of volunteer opportunities from east to west. She said: "Obviously we wanted to tie the actual number into 400th celebration, hence the 4000 volunteers in 400 days campaign.

"It also made sense, when Bermudians and residents alike were reflecting upon Bermuda and its history and the work that went into making our island into the successful, beautiful place we are privileged to call home, that we would encourage more people to find meaningful volunteer opportunities and become more involved in our community."

She said it was "fabulous" to achieve their goal, but admitted it was also important to help non-profits around the Island. These organisations could not survive without donations of "time, talent and treasure", she said.

"Seeing more people use volunteer.bm to start or continue their volunteer journey in Bermuda is very validating of the hard work we do to increase volunteerism in Bermuda."

Over the past 12 months, the Centre have launched print, radio and online advertising campaigns designed by Blot Graphix. They also had booths at the ACE Career Fair and the Coldwell Banker Homeshow and gave presentations at schools and businesses.

Mrs. Adams said the Centre plans to continue to work within schools as the "system is so easy to use and accessible that reaching out to students is a must".

"In addition, an important component in increasing volunteerism is providing the necessary support and training to the non-profits who use the system to recruit and manage their volunteers. We have a staff member and volunteer who provide one-on-one training with new users and those needing a refresher course and we have offered workshops on recruiting, retaining and recognising volunteers."

In the near future they plan to set up a stand-alone computer in Hamilton which allows users to access volunteer.bm. "So if you are walking by on your lunch hour you would be able to log on and see what volunteer jobs are upcoming".

"Renaissance Re have been our largest sponsor every year and truly believe in the importance of volunteerism as part of giving back to the community. In addition, last year's sponsors were ACE, Argo, Catlin, Flagstone, HSBC and the End to End Foundation."

For more information on the site visit www.volunteer.bm or www.centreonphilanthropy.org.