Hundreds of volunteers will extend a helping hand Jan. 31 to Londoners with physical disabilities. The Rotary Club's annual Day of Giving will send the service club's members into the homes of the elderly and disabled who need help with tasks around the house.

"It might be as simple as changing a light bulb or, for people who can't move a couch to dust behind it and don't have anyone to call on," Rotary spokesperson Ken Bowlby said yesterday.

Last year volunteers helped 76 people who needed a hand with household tasks, ranging from learning how to work a new computer to shovelling snow from sidewalks.

About 200 volunteers from London's seven Rotary Clubs and members from Rotaract and Interact, Rotary's university and high school groups, will take part in the effort.

"This is a 100-per-cent safe situation," said Bowlby.

Rotary volunteers, who always work in teams, will call people before they arrive at their homes, he said.

Those wanting the service this year can call an answering system that directs calls to organizers, who call back within 24 hours.

People should register by Jan. 29, Bowlby said.

DAY OF GIVING

To sign up for the Day of Giving, call 661-6020 or send an e-mail to dayofgiving@hotmail.com