Volunteering is a gift

Volunteering is a gift, and I am a self-professed, natural-born volunteer! It can be exhausting physically and emotionally and yet I am still drawn to help.

Volunteering is a gift from the volunteer to the people that you are helping, as well as a gift to yourself for the way that it will make you feel.

Why do some people naturally volunteer while others don’t? – Is it driven by confidence, empathy or guilt?
I believe that to be in a place and to have the feeling and skills to want to volunteer is a gift in itself.

Volunteering is as much about time as it is about energy and skills and is an act of generosity. It is something that delivers a positive impact to individuals, causes and communities.

Volunteering often comes from a place of compassion, empathy, and purpose, and in many instances is linked to personal ties such as a child being involved. It is a way of saying, “I care enough to give of my time.”

The rewards from volunteering can be far-reaching both to the volunteer and to the recipients. Time spent volunteering can build relationships between people, across cultures, and within communities. It can help people learn and prosper as the recipients benefit from your time and energy whilst the benefit to you can come in a form of self-actualisation where you seek to become the best version of yourself by aligning with your values and purpose.

One thing that is certain that volunteering delivers benefits that go far beyond economic and the world is a better place for having volunteers in it.

So if you have ever thought about stepping forward to help a club or charity and never quite crossed the line, I urge you to take the plunge. You won't regret it.