” “Last minute volunteers. This is one of the many initiatives envisaged for the 20th World Youth Day. Many people of all ages were in line this morning at the Volunteers’ desk, set up at the information point in front of the Cologne Cathedral, to offer their services. "I have come to see if they need a hand" says Sigrid Raff, 62 years old, an artist who has just closed an exhibition of her work. "I didn’t know whether my work would have allowed me to take part she adds. But I have made it and I am here to give my contribution to this extraordinary event". In other cases it may be school engagements or the family that hampers the choice of being a volunteer. This is the case of Cristina Quintana Benz, 16 years old. "I wanted to take part in the WYD so as to work side by side with people from many different countries she says but school engagements made it impossible and my parents weren’t all that convinced either". But Cristina succeeded in solving both problems: "And it was my Dad who brought me here", she concluded with a smile. "Tomorrow is my twenty-fifth birthday says Sven Kroff and I have decided to celebrate it by being a volunteer at the WYD". With him is his sister Nadine, 22, she too ready to give a hand. Both are students at the University just outside Cologne. "We didn’t know whether the calendar of our courses and exams would have allowed us to be here. But we have made it and this is what counts".
