ALL THE HELP WE CAN GIVE ! Volunteering: A Small Act, A Big Impact

 

ALL THE HELP WE CAN GIVE

Volunteering: A Small Act, A Big Impact

by Fotini Gogou

In contemporary societies, volunteering has been gaining ground rapidly. More and more organizations are being established and people have more empathy. Each one of us is able to contribute, but how can we do it? We all know how the enormous level of assistance offered to the people in need can make a great difference, but it is also a fact that we can benefit from it ourselves.

The homeless, unemployed, parents, refugees, people suffering from natural disasters and the poor in general, the sick, orphans, prisoners, the elderly, lonely people or with special needs, people in war zones or Africa are some of the million people asking for our help.

The exceptional thing about volunteering is that everyone can chip in. When donating, it is not mandatory to offer a gigantic amount of money if you are not able. On the contrary, any effort is considered precious to the less fortunate. Apart from money, someone can donate food, blood, belongings and any basic necessities. But even when you are unable to give that, your time will be regarded priceless. Anyone can devote a few hours of their day to community and make someone’s life better. It is possible to provide voluntary work like educational, healthcare, legal aid, food distribution, housing help, transportation assistance, emotional support and anything more specified to your professional skills.

Volunteering can also have a profound impact on the volunteer. As such activities can vary, each one can develop skills based on their job and interests. Research actually shows that those who volunteer regularly have a better chance of gaining employment. Companies and private services are intensely looking for specified skills that can also be found in previous volunteering participation besides degrees and diplomas. In addition, volunteering allows individuals to interact with others coming from diverse backgrounds and to build either personal or professional networks.

Moreover, it can reduce racism, since one can come across diverse groups and perceive a different cultural understanding and global perspective, seen from the different life experiences of others. It will also amplify awareness and advocacy for modern issues such as education, poverty, discrimination and war. The most unexpected benefit, though, is the health effect. Studies have revealed that offering your time in order to help others can reduce stress, enhance mental health, as well as provide a sense of fulfillment. Even Aristotle once said that the essence of life is to serve others and do good.

Our school, Chortiatis’ Senior High School, has not been indifferent to such noble acts of kindness and inclusion. Before Christmas, our school took the initiative to organize a fundraiser for the SOS village in Filiro. Students, parents and teachers collected food, toys and board games, clothes, hygiene products and other basic necessities. This «Greek Children’s village» hosts orphans, abandoned and abused children. Its aim is to offer protection, care, emotional support and education to all of them creating a safe, family-like environment around them.

Examples of people coming together to form groups ready to help are many, making it easy for just about anyone to offer money or services.

«Doctors without borders» is a non-governmental, non-profitable charity organization that provides humanitarian medical care around the globe. It is originated in France and has been active since 1971 providing medical aid in more than 70 countries. It has cared for people exposed in war conflicts, disease outbreaks, natural and human-made disasters and exclusion from healthcare without any kind of discrimination.  

«UNICEF» is a charitable organization aiming to save children’s lives and support their rights and dreams all over the world. It was initiated in 1946 and is currently working on more than 190 countries and territories. Its responsibility is to care for children’s health, nutrition and education, while protecting them from violence and abuse.

To sum up, volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of those in need while also benefiting personally. Every effort, no matter how big or small, has the power to improve someone's life. Organizations like «Doctors Without Borders», «UNICEF» and «Greek Children’s villages» exemplify the incredible impact of humanitarian efforts.