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Webster Dictionary's definition of volunteering is "to offer or give
of one's own free will."
When I think of volunteering and what it means to me, I have to agree with Webster.
Giving of one's own free will is so important especially in today's stressful society. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things that I do for myself.
I do not volunteer in order to receive pats on the back. I volunteer to help make my community a better place to live.
Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to be a volunteer, to work with volunteers and to be on the receiving end of volunteerism.
Without volunteers where would our service groups be? What would happen in our communities?
Volunteering can be as easy as making a few phone calls for someone or it can be a huge project such as leading a fundraising endeavour.
Many years ago when our children were quite young our house burned. We were devastated at the loss of personal possessions as well as the fact that our insurance covered about 50% of our losses. During that difficult time we met many wonderful people. Neighbours volunteered to help with the clean up, we were given donations of clothing, money, food and so on and even offered places to stay while we were rebuilding our house. I will never forget the kindness and generosity of these "VOLUNTEERS."
My volunteering has taken many different turns over the years. I have volunteered for the local Home and School association, at church, with different community organizations and most recently I have started a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. Being a grandparent raising a grandchild and having a father who was raised by his grandparents, I felt the need to volunteer and help others who are in the same situation.
In closing I feel that if I ever become independently wealthy, I will volunteer as much as possible and hopefully help to make our world a better place.
Nancy McSloy
