Do you spend a lot of time in front of the television? Do you spend your evenings at your computer? Well, if your answer to both these questions is yes, then it’s time to make a change.Volunteer your time to a cause and make a difference not only in your life but also in the lives of others.
Do you know...
...there are children out there who can be helped if you spend a few hours of your time a week?
...an abandoned puppy in a shelter looking for a playmate?
...a tree that needs tending?
And then there’s you… with at least a few hours a week to spare after school, during weekends, or during holidays and term breaks. Step in for your community.
What
Participate in an activity/ event without expecting monetary returns. You can volunteer for a person, an institution or even help animals and plants — everything that makes up our society.
Why
You will feel good having spent your time helping someone.
It will boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
You will learn skills.
Your experiences will be different and that will change your perception of the world and help you make it a better place.
It will make your parents and teachers proud of you.
Finally, it is a whole lot better than spending your Sundays in front of the TV
or computer. Give it a shot…
How
NGOs and animal shelter always welcome volunteers. Or you can just spend time with a resident of a Home.
In a children’s home/ community centre — read them stories, teach them to sing, dance or make simple art and craft or help them with their studies.
In an old age home — talk, entertain, read stories or write letters for them. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen to them.
Tell your friends, teachers, neighbours and family — collect money or used items that can be donated to an NGO of your choice.
Plant trees (with the requisite permissions in place, of course) and take care of them.
Spread awareness! Tell your friends to volunteer as well and create awareness about its benefits to them and society too.
FYI
Violet Robbins of Australia is the world’s oldest volunteer, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. She was a volunteer at the Prince of Wales Hospital, in Sydney aged 107 years 11 months 25 days.
The famous crime fiction writer Agatha Christie worked as a volunteer at the Voluntary Aid Detachment of the Red Cross Hospital in Torquay from 1914 to 1917.
Bombay Natural History Society, founded in 1883, is the oldest environmental NGO in India.
India is one of the popular destinations foreigners like to volunteer in.
