Today Is...International Volunteer Day

The Conservatives once had an idea they called the Big Society that worked like this, 'Sorry librarian but we are going to have to make you redundant because the country is running out of money. Sorry'.
'Hey, ex-librarians, now you got some free time, how about you volunteer to come and work at the local library doing the job we deemed worth £20k a year for last year while you look for another job'.
In short, they planned to sack ten of thousands of public servants and then ask for volunteers to run the amenities that they had just sacked all the people from so the Tories Big Society sounded much like a big con to get people to do their old jobs for free but Britain does have a huge army of people who do exactly that. 
Talking to volunteers, their altruistic actions are due to wanting to give back to society by investing their time, knowledge, and skills to benefit individuals or groups, the environment, and society at large.
Volunteering also gives them a sense of purpose, satisfaction and happiness and the opportunity to be part of a team that is working towards a common goal.
It can also be an avenue for learning and developing new skills and can get you involved in your local community and create friendships and improve your mental and physical health and make a real difference in the lives of others in a meaningful way.
Obviously, if you find yourself made redundant on the Monday and then asked to volunteer at the same place doing the same job on the Tuesday then you can also achieve all of the above with a well aimed swing of your foot into the askers mid-regions.