5 ways to make a big difference in your community
If it seems like your life is only getting busier and you have less time to give back to your local community, you’re not alone. Between commutes, carpools, after-school activities and just wanting to be outside, it can be hard to find time to fit everything you want to do in your day. But if you still want to improve your community, here are five small ways you can make a big difference:
- Donate your old books to a local library. You can also donate toys your child has outgrown to a local hospital. It only takes a few minutes to rummage through your house and see what you have lying around, but these thoughtful gifts will be appreciated by those who receive them for years to come.
- Coordinate a local park cleanup. All it takes is a small group of people, a few garbage bags and a couple of hours, and your efforts will be enjoyed by the entire neighbourhood.
- Join your local Kiwanis club. You can choose from a range of volunteer events to take part in throughout the year. Kiwanis also works with UNICEF and the Government of Canada to prevent maternal and newborn tetanus, a disease that kills nearly 50,000 newborns a year. Your local support at pancake breakfasts and other events will be helping women and children around the world lead better, healthier lives.
- Volunteer at your local hospital or retirement home. This may take a few hours of commitment each week, but the friendships you’ll make will be priceless. You’ll also feel a sense of well-being by forging connections with new people and benefit from the improved mood that comes from helping others.
- Hold a food drive and donate the goods to your local foodbank. Posting a few signs on streets and in stores around the neighbourhood should get you plenty of donations. Or get people to participate from the comfort of your own home by sharing your plans on social media and making use of your email lists.
Learn more about how to help prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus at www.unicef.ca/eliminate.
Courtesy of: www.newscanada.com
