Volunteer Development Scotland, the country's centre for volunteering, has marked the launch of its Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebrations with the announcement that Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) will be its first official charity partner.

CHAS was established in 1992 to provide hospice services for children in Scotland with life-limiting conditions. The organisation offers professional care, practical help and emotional support for families with a child who is not expected to live into adulthood.

Volunteer Development Scotland and CHAS will work together to raise funds through events and initiatives during 2009, as well as increase awareness and understanding of its cause.

George Thomson, chief executive of Volunteer Development Scotland, said: "As part of our jubilee year celebrations the team were keen to lend support to a much-needed cause. We are therefore delighted to have CHAS as our first ever charity partner; a charity that does fantastic work providing families across Scotland with important professional care and support through such difficult and emotional times.

"Volunteers are vital to CHAS' continued good work and it's encouraging that there are hundreds committing their time and enthusiasm throughout the country. Raising funds and increasing awareness are also essential and we aim to help on all accounts. The whole team were involved with the decision to nominate CHAS and we are looking forward to working together on fundraising projects throughout 2009."

CHAS has two purpose-built hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, each providing ongoing support for up to 200 families across Scotland each year.

Rachel Cheer, fundraiser for CHAS, said: "We are delighted that Volunteer Development Scotland staff has chosen to support CHAS. It costs us over £5 million annually to run Rachel House, Robin House and CHAS at home. Any funds raised by Volunteer Development Scotland will go directly to helping the children and young people and their families who use our services.

"CHAS is also fortunate to have around 900 volunteers who give over 79,000 hours of time each year. This is equivalent to a donation of over £1 million."