Helping others
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
Dr Loretta Scott
This week we are exploring the benefits of helping others, whilst I understand that not everyone is in a financial position to donate money. We all have other resources available, like our time and/or other services that we can donate. We can choose who or what we are willing to provide to a community group or charity, school, sporting group or another organisation.
It has been documented that assisting others or contributing to others can lift your own mood and sense of wellbeing as well as supporting within your local community or wherever you are volunteering.
When my children were in primary school, I choose to be on the Parents and Friends group as my time was limited during the day. As I couldn’t assist with the reading or volunteering needed during school hours, I used my bookkeeping skills to donate to the school community. I then volunteered on their sporting clubs and did this for many years in different roles. My husband also spent time assisting the club in different roles, which enabled me to step down whilst studying.
Our children were involved in the many service clubs that we attended and saw us volunteering many times at different venues, even helping at different events. It provided them with a sense of community and expanded their network of trusted adults and supports.
Whilst the children are now adults, as a family we continue to support local groups and charities that we admire. After my cancer journey, I decided to hold two high teas with the proceeds to go to our local cancer support service. Whilst I no longer hold this event, I support others who also raise funds to assist those living with cancer in our community. I also attend the event and rigorously bid at the auction items to ensure more funds are collected. I also managed to bring some of the auction items home!
I collected sanitary items for the “Save the Dignity” campaign and also donated items each week during the drive. Not everyone has the money for essential items, and it is a donation that I am willing to provide for.
My thanks go to the people who volunteer within the community, as time is a precious resource that many organisations would not be able to pay for. Your service is invaluable and a much-needed commodity. You all are priceless and know that you are lifting your own mental health and wellbeing is being lifted along with those you are helping.