In 2005 VSO set up the Volunteer Linking Scheme to help raise crucial funds for its volunteering efforts around the world. Because the majority of members give a monthly gift by Direct Debit, this enables us to plan ahead, knowing that we can rely on this ongoing support - making this income doubly valuable to us.

Feedback from supporters has shown that they enjoy hearing directly from serving volunteers and having the opportunity to follow a specific volunteer's experiences on the ground - with all the highs and the lows that come with this challenge. Supporters receive regular feedback, photos and videos from their volunteer and get the opportunity to meet with them when they return to the UK.

Between April 2005 and January 2008, the Volunteer Linking Scheme raised £660,000 for VSO, which is testament to the commitment and generosity of the 2,200 members who had contributed to date.

It costs VSO £29,000 to recruit, train and support a VSO volunteer for a two-year placement. Although this is a large sum of money, we believe our volunteers provide excellent value, as the skills that they share during their placement last a lifetime.

Money raised via the Volunteer Linking Scheme is playing a significant part in helping us to place more volunteers with the right blend of skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of people in some of the poorest countries in the world. If you've been part of this success then thank you very much. If not then please join now by clicking on the link to the left of this message.