Contribution ’26

“It is not what we get but who we become, and what we contribute that gives meaning to our lives.”  Tony Robbins

This week’s conversation is about contributing to the local community or providing resources; time, money and expertise to others without the expectation of something in return.  Without these precious resources, many clubs, schools and events would not happen. 

Think of a school community.  The school requires a lot of assistance each day.  Without the support of the parents, there would be no reading practice, canteen, parents and friends’ group to fundraise, sports days and the annual fair.  So much of the school’s events require volunteer hours to ensure that education of its students and to purchase the necessary items that the government does not pay for.  Parents contribute to improve the school for their children and benefit the greater community, both now and for the future.

The same is true for any club at any level.  They require a committee of management to help run the club, volunteers in all sorts of roles to get their members on the field and ready to participate in whatever sport or activity that they provide to the community.  The support that they provide also reduces the associated costs to all players and in fact, clubs could not survive without the volunteers.

Contributing to a cause assists our sense of self, our purpose which can provide a sense of belonging and boost our confidence and wellbeing.  It can also help with connections and assist us in forming new friendships with those we meet.  Many a connection is made when you contribute with other like-minded people or working together for the same outcome or cause.  I recall when my children began a school community and we still are friends with people from this time thirty years ago. 

The local performing groups also need community assistance to put on their shows.  Whether front of house, ushering or assisting backstage.  There are many different roles that are required to enable the group to perform.  This does not happen in a vacuum, and the support is needed to make sure that the show does go on.

I challenge you to think of all the groups that you are involved with and guestimate how much time and finances are contributed by the members.  I imagine the result will astound you.  Then take a guess of how many groups are in the community – the combined amount of investment at a local level would be astronomical to say the least.

Thank you to those of you who contribute to the society in which I live.