In the run up to Mitzvah Day on Sunday, November 21, Mike Freer, MP for Finchley and Golders Green (Conservative) shares his thoughts on why it is important to be involved this year.

"Mitzvahs should be part of everyday life not just once a year.

Yet, Mitzvah Day is important because it means that we try that little bit harder and make a special effort to remember others who need our help.

In today's busy world it is easy to simply make a donation and that remains vital, but actually doing something, actually giving up your time to physically help someone is more rewarding than popping a cheque in the post or into the charity pledge envelope.

Last year, I went to Norwood's Buckets & Spades Children & Family centre in Finchley to help create a sensory garden.

The whole experience made me appreciate the day to day struggles children and young adults with learning difficulties face and the pressures their families cope with on a daily basis - putting a cheque in the envelope never felt quite as appropriate afterwards.

Now as the Government is pushing the Big Society, it is important we all get stuck in and give our time (and our money) to help others."

Mike Freer MP for Finchley & Golders Green (Conservative)