Employers in Birmingham and the Black Country are being urged to volunteer their staff for a sports extravaganza on Give & Gain Day 2012.

The Business in the Community (BITC) charity, which promotes responsible business practice, is encouraging volunteers to help organise activities for more than 400 schoolchildren aged nine and 11 at Tipton Sports Academy on May 18.

More than 15 businesses have already signed up to Give & Gain Day 2012, a national day of employee volunteering, which encourages staff to give their time and expertise during work hours on projects which make a difference in their community.

Companies can also volunteer to help community organisations with practical projects such as painting, decorating or gardening, delivering programmes in schools or working with homeless people.

David Darlaston, director at Business in the Community West Midlands, said: “The impact and change that people can effect is remarkable, and first-hand experience builds skills and motivation in a unique way.

“It’s a win win with the employees that take part having increased loyalty towards and perception of their employer as a result.”

Last year 30 companies in the West Midlands sent out more than 500 volunteers on Give & Gain Day – donating over 4,000 hours to benefit thousands of people in disadvantaged communities in the region.

* To get involved contact Frances Kenwrick at BITC on 0121 451 2227 or visit www.bitc.org.uk/giveandgainday.