In modern society, there is a growing tendency for people to become accustomed to putting their effort and time into something if they can see some kind of "return", usually financial gain. Nonetheless, many continue to offer their services voluntarily without expecting any form of reward.

Data released by the National Statistics Office showing that, in 2008, there were 21,920 persons aged 12 and over doing some form of voluntary work, while 12,650 persons were members of a voluntary organisation, says a lot. Indeed, these figures constitute a most valid confirmation that the sense of solidarity and generosity of our people goes well beyond digging into their pockets to fork out donations in support of so many good causes.

There are also two additional very positive elements in the NSO findings. It emerged that the most popular reason for doing voluntary work - 45 per cent - was that such persons felt it was their moral duty to do so. This was followed by "to meet new people", at 20 per cent, and "sympathy for the needy" - 15 per cent.

It also turned out that unemployed persons spent most time doing voluntary work, with an average of 36 hours in a typical month. Retired persons spend an average of 24 hours and persons at work give an average of 20 hours.

Of the 12,650 members of voluntary organisations, 31 per cent were paid. Even so, the evidence that there are so many other people of various ages working without remuneration to serve their neighbour in both civil and ecclesial sectors is a clear and most welcome indication that certain values are still deeply rooted in society.

Voluntary work is not only "doing". It is, first and foremost, a way of being that stems from the heart, from a grateful approach to life and impels one to "give back" and to share with one's neighbour the gifts received.

The volunteer's action should not be looked at as a "stop-gap" intervention for the institutions in question but, rather, as a complementary, always necessary, presence to focus attention on the neediest and to further a personalised style in interventions.

And although volunteer work does not tend to involve any financial reward, it can be quite challenging. People often get a deep sense of satisfaction from being able to help others who are less fortunate for whatever reason. They acquire personal fulfilment from the gratitude shown to them as a result. They also obtain first-hand experience that it is indeed better to give than to receive.

Voluntary work also brings like-minded people together in a common setting where they will be working towards a common goal. As a result, there are likely to have a certain empathy with the charity or organisation they are helping, which, in turn, means they will share certain common values, something that is also likely to forge or consolidate friendships.

Many people find voluntary work a useful way of overcoming certain hurdles or obstacles. This, in turn, can increase their self-esteem and confidence, which can be carried through to other areas of their lives. Additionally, it is well known that doing voluntary work can have physical and/or psychological benefits to one's health too. It can give an increased sense of well-being and, for instance, help resolve situations of anxieties.

One can safely say that voluntary work offers a "win-win" situation in terms of benefits to both volunteers and those they are trying to help.