Give & Gain Day 2014, the UK’s only national day of employee volunteering, was launched in Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park, with the support of the Cardiff Blues (Wednesday 12 February).

More than 80 people representing a wide range of businesses from across Wales attended the launch, which is organised by Business in the Community (BITC) – the charity which stands for responsible business.

Last year, nearly 300 companies sent out over 12,000 volunteers on Give & Gain Day collectively helping more than 600 community organisations in the UK. In total, the value of time donated by volunteers was £1.3 million – an invaluable investment for local communities.

This year Give & Gain Day will be held on May 16 and will have its 100,000th volunteer take part.

Jason Evans, area director – South Wales and Severnside of Lloyds Banking Group, sponsors of Give & Gain Day for the last three years, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our colleagues who use the national Give & Gain Day to work so hard to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of those with the greatest need. Whilst thousands of our colleagues volunteer throughout the year, this annual date provides an excellent focus for us all. Volunteering is a key way in which businesses such as ours can help make a real and visible difference to the communities in which we operate."

This year BITC is linking with a variety of charities and community organisations including Sport Inspired so that business volunteers will have the opportunity to use their skills in a wide variety of places from schools and youth groups, to rugby clubs and community centres doing everything from CV workshops for the long-term unemployed to helping run school sports days.

Gwent businesses who want to get involved in Give & Gain Day 2014 can sign up on the BITC website at: www.bitc.org.uk/give&gain