Charity: The Most Special Gift
My parents were always volunteering. Butter tarts cooling on a tray meant ‘don’t touch, there’s a bake sale’; rummage tables, car washes, apple days, paper drives, old clothes to Goodwill (including Dad’s favourite gardening hat). The gift of time and effort was simply part of life. Charity and volunteering was an established value of their cohort, who were raised in the 1930’s Great Depression and came of age in the rationing of World War II.
For generations, charitable organizations depended on volunteers for ‘good works’ such as hospital auxiliaries, Meals on Wheels, friendly visiting and service clubs.
Is the gift of time, talent and energy still valued in our communities? Who is volunteering now? Does what is being volunteered meet the needs of the community?
Who is Volunteering?
Statistics Canada reports that 47% of Canadians over the age of 15 volunteer each year, for an average of 156 hours per year; this adds up to 2.1 billion hours of volunteer time, the equivalent, in hours, of 1 million jobs.
One of the most important influences on volunteering in Canada is age. In general, the likelihood of volunteering tends to decrease with age, while the number of hours tends to increase. Seniors aged 65+ gave more hours on average than any other age cohort, with an average of 218 hours annually, compared to 15 to 24 year olds, averaging 138 hours per year.
What do Senior Volunteers Actually Do? I don’t see myself knitting or baking cookies …
Senior volunteers do office work, provide health care and support, and canvas in various sectors including political groups, religious organizations, hospitals and social services organizations. Factors such as higher levels of education, attending religious services more frequently, and having a vehicle and driver's license all increase the likelihood that seniors will volunteer their time.
So Seniors Volunteer Their Time – Will Baby Boomers?
Baby boomers are more likely to demand stimulating volunteer experiences that respond to personal needs and interests, and seek opportunities to lead and direct projects. They are more likely to be "episodic" volunteers—taking on specific projects or assignments—rather than committing to one organization or structured volunteer activity over a prolonged period of time.
Certain sectors may feel this change more than others; for example, religious appeals for volunteering may not be as successful; Boomers are less likely to volunteer out of a sense of duty, obligation or religious commitment, compared to the Depression-era cohort.
What Are the ‘Top’ Charities in Canada Using Volunteers?
Charities have changed dramatically in the past decade, moving from ‘handout’ to ‘self-help’ models exemplified by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, United Way or World Vision Canada, that offer practical assistance and training to ‘help people help themselves’. The most popular charities in Canada focus on animal services, hospitals and health care, religion and social services, but more recently, culture, the environment and international aid are top recipients of both funds and volunteer time.
Donors and volunteers are now very likely to scrutinize a charity’s operations; fundraising efficiency, governance and transparency; and reserve fund size, often with the assistance of watchdog websites like Charity Intelligence.
What are Charities Looking for from Volunteers?
A recent Manulife study found that overall, organizations want long-term commitments that capitalize on a volunteer's unique skills and fulfill a specifically defined role. However, what volunteers want is quite the opposite, looking mostly for short-term commitments that differ from what they do in their working lives, with the flexibility to create their own volunteer opportunities and experiences. They may also seek volunteer opportunities for the ability to meet others, especially those who can help influence their careers and personal success.
So Why Would I Volunteer?
In addition to the skills that can be acquired through volunteering, there are other benefits to volunteering that facilitate positive and active aging. Research suggests that decreased social activity and loss of social networks may contribute to isolation and dependency. The community connectedness of volunteering deepens social networks, improves access to information and support, and reduces the likelihood of social isolation.
Volunteering is also linked to improved quality of life, increased physical activity, and lower mortality rates. It enhances life satisfaction and well-being, contributes to self-confidence and personal growth, and provides a sense of purpose by providing individuals with the opportunity to contribute to their communities and to society. Volunteering also helps seniors navigate major life transitions, such as retirement or the death of a spouse; many volunteers support foundations for the disease that claimed a loved one.
Can Volunteering be Considered a ‘Gift’?
Absolutely!
How about making volunteering your gift to family, friends, and especially, grandkids? Young people are more aware than ever of the benefits of volunteering – it’s often part of school’s curriculum. Just look at the incredible success of youth-based charity phenomena such as Me To We and Free The Children in their ability to engage and inspire kids.
You, too, can be an inspiration, mentor and volunteer partner to family members of all ages. Don’t just sign a sponsorship form – lace up and do the walkathon together! Don’t stand on the sidelines – use your life skills in business, baking, organization, crafts, teaching, or whatever you can think of, to help make a charity project happen.
Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities:
Get Volunteering
Imagine Canada
Charity Village
Volunteer
This season, your greatest can be the gift of your time, talent, caring and support — and your shining example. Happy holidays to you all.
* * * * *
How has volunteering enriched your life? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Related:
How Not to Have a Blue, Blue Christmas
Super Senior Volunteer
Giving Back This Holiday
