1. Around 100 million Europeans volunteer with about 30% of citizens in the EU engaging in voluntary work and 20% in Flanders. 2. Volunteers can be found in almost every sector including welfare, education, culture, sports, politics and more. The majority of volunteers are between 35-55 years old. 3. Volunteers contribute to society out of a sense of idealism, love for an organization or community, and to benefit themselves. On average, volunteers contribute 4-5 hours per week.

1. Volunteers in the European Union Liza Gernaey – project officer Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk vzw –Flemish Volunteer Centre 9 May 2011