Did you know that World Kindness Day is celebrated in November? Did you also know that when you give the gift of your kindness, time and love to others by volunteering, it actually makes you feel better?
Did you know that World Kindness Day is celebrated in November? Did you also know that when you give the gift of your kindness, time and love to others by volunteering, it actually makes you feel better?
A 2013 Study by United Health, states that “volunteers say that they feel better – physically, emotionally, and mentally.”(3) The Study also shows that volunteering enriches a person’s sense of purpose in life.(3) This is maybe the reason that volunteers show greater levels of satisfaction in life, and have more sense of belonging, and self-esteem. Furthermore, studies show that people with a chronic illness, report feeling better after having volunteered and assisted people in need.
John Greenleaf Whittier once said, “For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.”
Having been a volunteer myself, I believe that, as the study shows, volunteering and doing good for others makes you feel good too! So, this as the Christmas season approaches, and in celebration of World Kindness Day, why not consider volunteering? Volunteering with your children can help them to gain compassion for other people and recognize that we feel good about ourselves if we can help someone in need. So, what do you have to lose? “Everyone wins when we volunteer.”(1)
Here are some suggestions for volunteer organizations in the Guelph Region that could use your help this season and all year long:
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Your child’s school (see the link below of top 5 reasons to help out at your child’s school throughout this busy season and beyond!) The benefits are immense for all involved!
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Bibles for Missions Thrift Store (Guelph) or other local thrift stores that support an amazing cause (they are in desperate need of people to sort items, and help out wherever possible)
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Check out Kijiji from time to time, for current ways to volunteer in the community
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Local Food Bank
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Action Read Community Literacy Centre (2 Quebec St., Guelph, 519-836-2759)
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Beginnings Family Services & Pregnancy Care Centre (Baker St., Guelph, 519-763-7980)
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Bracelet of Hope – Organization that fights against HIV & AIDS in Africa
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Children’s Foundation of Guelph (Waterloo Ave.)
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Guelph Community Health Centre/Garden Fresh Box Program/Winter Survival Kits (176 Wyndham St. N, 519-821-6638)
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Habitat for Humanity – Helping Low-Income Families with Home-Ownership (104 Dawson Rd.)
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St. Joseph’s Health Centre (100 Westmount Rd., 519-767-3424)
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Big Brothers and Sisters (155 Suffolk St. W, 519-824-5154)
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Guelph General Hospital, Cancer Unit – Note: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
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Onward Willow – Peer/Parent Program for Families in Need (15 Willow Rd., Guelph)
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The Elliot Community – Nursing Home (170 Metcalfe St., Guelph, 519-822-0491)
*For more volunteering opportunities contact: Volunteer Info Centre of Guelph-Wellington & Area (www.volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca)
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/child-374635-reasons-volunteer.html
.http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
