The importance of lending a helping hand
Looking to get involved? You came to the right city. If you haven’t already, you will soon enough feel the energy that the City of Guelph and the university have to offer. Volunteering on campus and throughout the community can enrich your life and the lives of others tenfold. Recently, in an interview conducted with Christine Oldfield, the Executive Director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, the importance of volunteerism was discussed.
“Volunteering can change a life,” said Oldfield, “for both the volunteer and the organization where they contribute their energies and talent. People volunteer for a number of reasons: some because they value giving back to the community, some to contribute to a cause they believe in, and some to explore career options and to build skills and confidence.”
The act of volunteering can “give […] a sense of purpose,” stated Oldfield. Students and community members alike are encouraged to look at their options and find something that is suitable for them, both interest- and schedule-wise. Volunteering acts as an opportunity to get to know others and to get to know yourself better.
The City of Guelph has been extremely dedicated to volunteerism for years, and as Oldfield described, the city “is often heralded as the ‘most caring community in Canada,’ based on above average rates of volunteering identified in Maclean’s magazine in 2008.” Oldfield went on to acknowledge that “a high rate of volunteering reflects the character of Guelph residents and the university students that [reside] here. People in Guelph want to make a difference and channel their skills, energies, and passion through community organizations.” This dedication and passion is what makes Guelph such an incredible city to live in and be a part of.
As members of the Guelph community, we all have a role to play in keeping Guelph so rich and cultured, filled with people who care about so many different issues that affect each and every one of us. It is crucial that we keep this going. The population of Guelph rises when students move here or return here from the summer months spent at home – this is reason to see volunteer efforts rising.
Volunteering makes for a stronger community bond, greater empathy for others, and the chance to meet new people and discover new opportunities. Anything helps – an afternoon here and there, a regular weekly visit, or whatever works in your schedule. “We believe there is something for everyone. The Volunteer Centre publishes a list of new volunteer opportunities each week. From volunteering to teach kids photography through the organization Focus on Nature, to providing support to clients of Hospice Wellington, volunteers in Guelph have all sorts of options,” concluded Oldfield. Take some time this year and lend a hand – the impact we can have collectively is substantial.