Hundreds of volunteers in Oxfordshire give their time, effort and enthusiasm to help the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) raise money each year to protect local children from abuse and neglect.

Amanda Howard, who lives near Woodstock, has been fundraising for the NSPCC for a year now.

She said: “I am very proud to be a volunteer with the NSPCC. ChildLine and NSPCC’s adult Helpline do such fantastic work for children, young people, and their families. The prevention of cruelty to children was what inspired me initially to volunteer, and it is such a great way to have lots of fun and meet new people, all while making a difference to the lives of so many children.”

On Saturday, April 24, 2010, the NSPCC’s annual Blenheim Spring Walk is taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace. More than 100 people took part last year, helping to raise around £7,000, and they hope that next year’s event will attract even more walkers.

“There are three circular routes to choose from, and volunteers are needed to help out on the day with registration and cheering the walkers on.

The NSPCC is also looking for volunteers to take part in their Stop for Tea fundraising initiative. All cuppa lovers can get involved, whether it is at home with family and friends, or in the workplace with colleagues, clients and customers. All you need to do is pour the tea, have fun and raise lots of money to help give children and young people a safer future.

Rebecca Steele, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Oxfordshire, said that the NSPCC was recruiting new volunteers to help with fundraising.

She said: “Whatever your background or interests, you’ll find volunteering with the NSPCC a rewarding and challenging experience.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from our existing volunteers; however – we urgently need more fundraisers in Oxfordshire to help keep our services going. Eighty five per cent of NSPCC funding comes from voluntary donations, so the NSPCC’s work is heavily reliant on the generosity of the general public.

“People can volunteer to help in many ways: by making a donation, or setting up a fundraising group to organise anything from a ball, a tea party, BBQs or Christmas Fairs, through to helping at events.

“Simply by helping to raise awareness of the plight of the most vulnerable children in society – you will be helping to achieve our aim of ending cruelty to children. We can only do this, though, with the support of local people. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.”

To find out more, contact Rebecca Steele on 01908 328050, or email her on: rebecca.steele@nspcc.org.uk