Donate A Day campaign

Volunteering at city farms and community gardens is being highlighted as part of a new TV campaign launched by ITV breakfast show Daybreak.

Celebrities including Simon Cowell, Pixie Lott and Paul O’Grady are among those pledging their support to Donate a Day, which launched in May.

The initiative will encourage viewers to pledge their time to help a worthy cause or those in need – including voluntary work at a city farm or community garden, which can be a great way to meet people, get involved in a local community project, and to gain new skills and, in some cases, vocational qualifications.

Many FCFCG member groups rely on volunteers, especially those who can give time on a regular basis. People wanting to get involved should contact city farms and community gardens directly to find out what opportunities are available.

As part of Donate A Day the show’s presenters and other members of the Daybreak team will donate their time for various causes.

Christine Bleakley said: “Time is precious and in today’s busy world it’s easy to lose track of what ‘s important around us. Family, friends, the local community and charitable causes could all benefit from a few hours of our time. Daybreak is launching Donate a Day to encourage you to give up a little bit of time to make a big difference.”

Paul O’Grady said: “Donate a Day is a brilliant idea because its aim is to encourage people all over the UK just to give a bit of their time to help someone. So please, whatever you can do, it’ll make a difference to people’s lives. I am supporting Donate a Day, why don’t you?”

As well as pledging to donate their time via www.itv.com/daybreak, viewers can browse the online volunteers’ gallery where there will find inspiration on how best they can donate their time.