Many worthwhile causes would not survive without the help of volunteers. So if you have the time and energy do consider volunteering.
There are many reasons to volunteer, here are just a few of them....
- You can support people who are less fortunate than yourself, enabling them to stay healthy and live a fulfilling life.
- Volunteering lifts your self esteem and enables you to deal more readily with ill health
- If you have been afflicted by ill heath or addition, then volunteering will help the healing process
- You will find a greater meaning to your life and sense of purpose
- It is an opportunity to break down social barriers and learn about the lives of people with different ethnic backgrounds
- New experiences will help you when applying for a new job
Everybody has different strengths and interests, so utilise those assets when looking for a position. There are so many fields to consider......the elderly, children, the homeless, mentoring, deprived communities abroad.....
If you live in the UK there are several organisations who will help you find a position.....The National Voluntary Council for Voluntary Organisations (NVCO), Volunteering Matters and Do-It
Here are a few worthwhile causes which you might consider. The links are to UK charities but hopefully you will have a similar organisation in your own country.
Children
The Rainbow Trust supports families who have child suffering from a serious illness
Make A Wish makes dreams come true for children afflicted by a life threatening illness
Volunteer Abroad
You can enjoy amazing new experiences by being a volunteer in countries abroad. GIV is a company who specialises in this field, catering for all ages and length of stay.
Telephone Volunteer
Many elderly people suffer from loneliness, so spending just half an week talking to them on the phone can make a huge difference. Silverline and Independent Age are two organisations who welcome telephone volunteers.
Gardening
They are many benefits from becoming a garden volunteer....keeps you fit, you meet interesting people, enhances the environment. The National Trust and The Royal Horticultural Society are organisations who welcome garden volunteers.
Dogs
Disabled and blind people can be helped in many ways by dogs. Two leading organisations in the UK in this field are Guide Dogs For The Blind and Hearing Dogs For Deaf People
My son and I volunteer for a local community Easter Egg hunt every year.
We use to take him to the event when he was little. It is always good to give back to your community. We look forward to helping out every year. See the joy and excitement on the kids faces is a great reward,
That's great. Only 10 days to your next Easter Egg Hunt....happy hunting!