We Canadians live in a giving, sharing culture. In the last Census in 2010 84% of us self reported Charitable Giving. That added up to 23.8 million for worthy organizations in that year. That is commendable and valuable and I am sure that those groups are very grateful. They also appreciate something we sometimes find harder to give: our time.
We are living in strange times. Many of you are fed up, frustrated and trying your very best to adjust as we all face a daily onslaught of new rules, strange attitudes and reactions and problems we could not of even dreamed up several months ago. A lot of my friends are struggling with the rapid changes and trying to maintain their center- searching for some meaning in the chaos to brighten and perhaps create happiness despite it all.
Stepping outside your own experience is a powerful tool for many. Somehow, when life is looking somewhat down taking a moment to reach out to a friend in need, an elderly neighbour, a youth in need of guidance or even a charity in need of a hand gives us clarity and perspective. It can be easy to get lost in ones own dramas and troubles, worries, finances, stress and slights. Taking a break from that spiral to reach for another's hand and pull them up is like a mini vacation. A temporary trip away from our own endless drama, from feeling superfluous and working hard with little or no appreciation.
This year with all its restrictions did not stop everyone from spreading cheer. I saw many local women lifting one another up. Dropping surprize gifts on doorsteps. Loads of them. I had a friend who made stuffed animals for children and posted on Facebook that if they were needed they were available in Ziplocs on the porch. Another friend laundered and sealed unused Webkinz and dropped them to neighbourhood children who were missing friends and teachers. Even my daughter's school board made a difference: sending grocery gift cards to help parents throughout the early months of the pandemic. The amount of goodwill and kindness made me, the non cryer, nearly weep.
So this is a different kind of Labour Day post. Not so much about having a day off but about finding ways to add a little more work to your day. I promise though, that this kind of work wont leave you feeling exhausted and slightly used.
The pandemic has opened many doors for virtual volunteering. I was excited to find websites in Canada that offer everything from writing notes of encouragement to people who could use a kind word to running programs: the website offers opportunities to aid programs across the country in various areas of interest. It is a perfect way to find the place where you can share your particular skill in an area you feel is important.
Traditional volunteering options are listed as well and broken down by province and organization. It is a great website to find some meaning for your downtime. You decide your level of involvement, area of interest and the amount of time and energy you can give.
You can view online volunteering openings here:
This is so exciting! I have to say I was pumped up when I found this site and its easy access to ways I could help: even from home.
I promise you from experience that opening yourself up to making life a bit better for others will add meaning and fun to your world. You will help some of your other fellow beings on the planet and in doing so find it benefits yourself.
Charities and organizations also need fundraising support and there are many ways to manage financial gifts too. Some prefer to donate directly to their favourites and that is a good way to support your causes. Here are a few other options:
Broadening your focus beyond your own needs and wants can only make your experience bigger and better. Seeing beyond the front door and the egocentric work culture reminds us that there is a wide world out there and it sometimes needs a boost. We spend up to six hours in leisure a day on average and at least half that time is passive: watching television or on the internet. With so many opportunities online it is so easy to take a portion of that time and do a good thing.
Happy volunteering! Happy Labour Day.
