📢 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – SYNERGY ONE HEALTH EXPERT (SOHE)
The concept is simple. Volunteering makes the world kinder.
The big question is do we want to make the world a better place if it demands time, money and effort from our already busy overburdened lives. We must be willing to give others what you have, including your time.
Sharing may not be what immediately comes to mind when you think about volunteering, but it’s one of the best ways to serve others. And it’s a great habit to build in your kids.
Be generous with positive and encouraging words when people least expect it. It’s not easy. I often get looks when I do it. I can literally see them thinking ‘who is this poor lonely woman!’
Do random acts of kindness for others. Make a point to talk to your kids about how much this means to other people, so they understand why volunteering is important
Check out this list of companies who allow you to donate your loyalty rewards. It costs you nothing – a mere sign up. My School Card from Woolworths comes to mind – It allows you to link up to 3 causes. It is quick and easy to sign up and/or link additional causes. Our Favourite is Dignity Dreams NPO check out what they do on their website www.dignitydreams.co.za.
Heads up. Nobody wants your unwashed dirty underwear! Show some respect. Clean them before you donate. Gently worn is best. Even beneficiaries have dignity.
Call ahead to make sure your donation will be accepted. Stuffed Animals for Emergencies: They give clean stuffed animals and other toys to young children in traumatic or emotional situations. Volunteer Now supports a variety of organisations who will accept toys. Again, make sure they are not broken.
If the spin is damaged and pages are missing – how are you helping? Rather throw those into the recycle bin.
If they are damaged and animal shelter will be grateful and the puppies even more so. Extremely damaged can be torn up and used to make snuffle mats so don’t throw them away.
one of the volunteer programs through Lions Club International. Click on the link provided to find out where you can donate. You are never going to use those frames again!
Decorate or write notes on the lids of the food to encourage those who receive it. Volunteer Now supports many organisations that either run food kitchens or donate food parcels to rural communities. You can specify who you would like your donation to go to.
Your children have grown out of or that bike you broke your arm on. Volunteer Now collects for organisations that refurbish and donate the bikes to people who rely on them for all transportation or want to participate in the sport. They also give free bikes and helmets to kids.
Big ask but so many organisations are desperate for transportation.
You can start collecting now. Every month just add an item in your shop. Toothpaste, Pads, Toothbrush
Like, comment on and share their posts. It’s a great way to raise awareness. And every click helps.
to schools and organisations who need them.
in line at a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. Everyone needs a bit of kindness. You never know the dragons they are fighting.
to someone who has lost a loved one or a pet. Even better–send another one a few months later when the flood of cards has stopped.
If you see a teen being especially helpful, make a point to tell them. If a cashier is friendly or really patient, let them know you noticed.
that a sibling or friend hates or that would really help a parent.
With flowers, sweets or coffee. In my case wool!
and send them to your parents or grandparents.
for your server, stylist, pizza delivery person, grocery shopper, hotel workers.
for your elderly neighbours. Do you even know who they are?
to the pickers who work along your road or at your intersection.
for delivery people during the holidays.
(or leave it on their desk, car etc) to someone who needs a pick-me-up.
on your kitchen table and write compliments on them for your family members. Be specific and notice the good things they do.
for a restaurant or business you love. It helps small businesses more than you will ever imagine.
from a social enterprise or small business (take it from us, this is a big deal and a HUGE encouragement).
or make a gratitude wall.
(including their kids) going through a divorce, death, job loss or other difficulty. You might not know what to say and that’s okay–they just need to know you’re thinking about them.
Schedule a tour to learn more about how they serve the community.
or invite the new employee to lunch.
that has nothing to do with intelligence or ability and everything to do with character.
that say “thank you for serving others.” More great ideas for volunteering! The kids put together these small bags and handed them out after they volunteered at places like the fire station, summer camp, shoe closet, church and nursing home.
If you don’t like to cook, order takeout from their favourite restaurant and deliver it yourself.
offer to water their plants, get their mail, take care of their pets or house sit. Make sure they’ve got a fresh litre of milk, bread and tea for their return.
and help them afford supplies through Volunteer Now.
Use Volunteer Now to find a non-profit you can trust. Donating money is the most helpful thing you can do after a disaster.
for a few hours so exhausted parents can get a break and reconnect with each other.
Students are never without caffeine, and they love Starbucks, so this coffee gift basket is perfect. We have 66 grant students at a local university who would love food and toiletries.
I find second hand copies of my favourites.
in your neighbourhood or local park.
in your car or backpack so you can respond to kindness or acknowledge someone with something tangible. Put whatever you like in the bags and be sure to include some kind of note. Check out our meals in a bag options. They feed a family of 4 for two days.