I wrote this article 3 years ago for a company newsletter. It is as true today as it was then. Volunteering had already become a part of my life but the most rewarding activity had just started. I had become a Big Sister!
I can proudly say that our match of Little Sister and Big Sister is going strong to this day.
Please share a little magic and support Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Simcoe.
Volunteering in the Community, by Pauline Assinck-Wallen Nov 2004
Some people may describe volunteering as a drug, a stimulant that gives great satisfaction and joy as we help others. Volunteering improves our communities and empowers us to better mental health.
Our society is engaging our youths in volunteering through high school community service hours. This is a great learning experience for those students that take the challenge to reach out and try something new.
It’s never too late to start, as volunteers are needed in all walks of life, in all activities, and is in need of everyone young and old.
Think of anything that you enjoy doing and I know that you can apply this to volunteering. Sometimes it will be through a fully organized group such as;
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, through a local church, Girl Guides / Scouts, at your child’s school, or as a soccer coach. There are more serious things such as working with an outreach organization such as CLASS or life saving forms of service like our dedicated volunteer fire fighters.
The entrepreneurs find their own ways to help others; they can be found tutoring illiterates, visiting a nursing home patient or even working right beside you. Maybe you’re thinking I haven’t any extra time, there’s full time work, chores around the house, family commitments, etc. Yes, these things will always be true but the repayment from volunteering makes the daily stresses melt away. If you are inclined, look for a family volunteering activity… It’s been said that a family that works together, plays together, stays together. If your family likes to be outdoors there are activities like; park restoration, the BruceTrail workers that prepare and repair the walking trails and build bridges for all other hikers to enjoy.
Volunteers can be involved as little as an hour a week. It can often be scheduled into a time slot that makes it part of a daily or weekly routine.
Wherever you live, the township will have lists of community groups looking for help.
Lend a hand, feel the power, enjoy the experience!
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