It’s a tough time for many right now, more so non-profit organisations that rely on the goodwill of the public, to keep their doors open to help those in desperate need of their services.

Volunteers form the backbone of many of these organisations and they provide the much-needed human element.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought on more challenges and many of these non-profits can use a helping hand.

With lockdown limiting movement and things to do, perhaps this is the opportune time to give back.

According to the United Nations (UN) more than one billion people volunteer globally. Many do it for a variety of reasons to help eliminate poverty, improve basic health and education, tackle environmental issues, reduce the risk of disasters or to combat social exclusion and violent conflict.

The UN described volunteerism as a basic expression of human relationships and of people’s need to participate in their societies and to feel that they matter to others.
Also, that the social relationships intrinsic to volunteer work are critical to individual and community well-being.

Therefore, it’s time we look at our own communities and get involved, as the need is greater now than pre-pandemic.

Start small by giving off a few hours of your time at an organisation that tugs at your heartstrings be it an animal welfare, working with children, the elderly, the list is endless.
If you are an animal lover, cleaning out kennels and ensuring the animals are fed and watered might be your way of giving back.

Or perhaps, you would like to get involved in fundraising or helping out one day a week in an organisation’s charity shop which is a vital source of income to them.

You can also give back by donating items you no longer need.

I recently cleaned out my cupboards and donated clothes and shoes.

It was a good feeling to get rid of what I called clutter, which I know will be well used elsewhere.

You don’t realise how much your unwanted items helps others.

Sometime clothes that are donated are bought in bulk by people who in turn sell it, to be able to earn an income which enables them to feed their families.

Volunteerism is something that we all need to think about, let’s us not get caught up in our own problem or challenges.

By helping others, we can clear our minds and might even come up with a solution to our difficulties.

It is also an opportunity to pass on your giving back attitude to other members of your family, especially the younger generation.

Let’s keep our community organisations functioning – without them life will be unbearable for many – the decision is in our hands.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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