Charities that receive donations are often in need of volunteers to help sort them — on a one-time basis or as a regular commitment. | PHOTO: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK

Giving the Gift of Time

With so many organizations relying on volunteers to continue their work, offering time and support is a valuable and meaningful way to contribute.

By Elisa Keay

ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE things you can gift is yourself — your skills and your time. Many organizations depend upon volunteers to do the incredible work they do. It may be a one-time opportunity that appeals, or you may discover an ongoing activity that suits your lifestyle. There are so many opportunities to explore and so many causes to consider.

What’s your superpower? Is it fundraising? Are you great with kids? Or animals? Do you have the gift of gab? Of care and comfort? Are you a wizard at filling out forms? Some organizations just need help to keep things moving, while others require specialized skills — from bookkeeping and legal services to cooking or even drivers with vehicles that can move clients or products around. If those skills are donated, they can stretch their limited financial resources much further.

Whether it’s working with animals, children, the elderly or with those who have different or limited abilities, you can find a charity, cause or activity that fits your capacity, interests and skillset. It may take a bit of digging and research to find the right opportunity and connect with the right cause for you. There are several ways you can get involved. You can start with a web-based search for local groups that fit your interests and abilities. Some of them include volunteering pathways right on their websites — from how to apply to what the involvement levels may be. If there is a specific organization you’re interested in, you can often reach out directly to them and ask how you might be able to help. There are also websites like Volunteer Canada and Charity Village that maintain listings of volunteer opportunities.

What kind of commitment is the right fit for you?

Volunteers pick up trash in a dry field.

One-time, one-day commitment:

Large events such as walkathons and bike rides need significant help on the big day. It’s low commitment and easy to get involved.
Charity fundraising events require support staff to help on event day.
Community clean-up days need all-hands-on-deck on the chosen date.

(Above) Walking, socializing or fostering animals is a rewarding way to give back; (left) a group of volunteers picks up litter in a community nature area. | PHOTOS: HALFPOINT/ ADOBE STOCK

An ongoing weekly time commitment:

Animal shelters need dog walkers, cat care providers and exotic animal helpers. Animals crave companionship — and the benefits of the cuddles and petting go both ways!
Shelters, food banks and soup kitchens are labour-intensive operations. They’re always looking for people with time to help support their marginalized and at-risk clientele.
Companionship and human interaction are much-needed commodities at children’s hospitals, seniors’ residences, long-term care facilities and even hospices. From reading a book aloud to sharing a smile and some small talk, you can brighten someone’s day just by being there.

Helping seniors navigate new technology. | PHOTO: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK

A young woman leans over a senior man who is using a laptop.

Two young people accept a donation from a senior woman.

Seasonal commitment:

If you’re athletic or have sports knowledge, get involved with a children’s sports league. From coaching to team management, there are opportunities to suit your level of experience.
Holiday gift drives and food drives held by many organizations (such as radio stations, schools and community centres) need outreach within the community to help collect food, gifts and other donations.

Donation drives are a great opportunity to get out and meet your neighbours. | PHOTO: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK

Volunteer from home:

Animal fostering. It’s an ongoing commitment — but done in your own home. Helping to socialize a shy cat or nervous dog makes them much more likely to find a loving home than if they’re in a cage in a crowded shelter.
Take on part of the business side of any organization — from clerical work to phone outreach, it can all be done from your kitchen table.
Create a fundraiser. Many charities ask individuals to find niche ways to fundraise. By thinking creatively, you can create a revenue stream for donations to the cause. You can take pledges based on your personal goals, such as hours spent cycling, working out or reading. Many social media platforms make this type of fundraising activity easy.

Many volunteer opportunities can be done from the comfort of your own home — phone outreach is just one example. | PHOTO: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK

A woman in a home office makes a phone call while sitting at a computer.

Lifestyle volunteering:

Join a board or council. Help run an organization that’s near and dear to your heart. You can champion the cause and put your energy and know-how into shaping it. Some roles are the time equivalent of a full-time job, while other opportunities, though ongoing, require much less of a commitment. These positions usually require a minimum term, generally one to two years.
Voluntourism. There are opportunities you can tap into around the world. Go to Kenya and work on a giraffe or lion conservation. Head to Thailand to help protect the coral reef. Get involved in rebuilding an area that’s been ravaged by natural disaster.

A volunteer planting trees in a mangrove reforestation project. | PHOTO: M STOCKER/ADOBE STOCK

Reach out to your favourite organizations you admire and see how your time and energy can help them continue to do the important work they do. Doing good is truly a gift.