Last week I talked with local organizers of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Dash in Smithers, a run to raise funds for cancer research and prevention and support for people living with the disease right now. However, this year, due to lack of volunteers it is going virtual. There will be an online auction to raise money.
Last month, my coworker had a conversation with someone from the Bulkley Valley Smithers Softball Association. Their season is in jeopardy due to the lack of people signing up to help out.
I got an email from my daughter’s soccer team, looking for coaches. What will happen if no one volunteers?
These stories are not unique to Smithers or the entire Northwest. Organizations and non-profit societies all through the region are struggling to stay alive or perform at their best because of the lack of volunteers.
In high school, students are forced to volunteer to graduate. Being forced to volunteer sort of defeats the purpose of volunteering. It should be done out of passion and from your heart. However, maybe teaching young people the importance of volunteering, whether it is forced upon them or not, is a good thing.
Volunteering is when someone spends unpaid time doing something to benefit others. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, or organizations in need. It also allows you to connect with your community.
I attend many events for work and I often see the same people helping out at various places. It is usually the same people agreeing to lend a hand. But where is everyone else? Many hands make light work. People are burning out and non-profit societies, youth sports associations and the most vulnerable people and animals are the ones who are suffering.
Doing something new or putting yourself out there is hard. But getting involved is so rewarding. The community needs more people to say yes, come out and give a little of their time. There are so many roles that need to be filled.
Our communities need more people willing to help if we want to keep make our villages, towns and cities as safe and livable as possilbe. Simply complaining won’t do the trick. Let’s get out of our comfort zones and say yes.
Find something you are passionate about and get involved. Finding something you love helps to make it feel less tiresome.