Volunteer Matters, Vol I Ed I, 2023

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Volunteer MATTERS 5 Don Monsour Volunteer Champion! 18 What Would Happen if There Were NO Volunteers 30 Benefits of Volunteering 12 7 Ways Parents Can Inspire Volunteerism in Teens 23 Vol I Ed I 2023 Celebrating Volunteers in the Capital Regional District Volunteer Opportunities You May Not Have Thought Of Volunteer Organizations Community 6 Health 10 Children & Youth 15 Social Services 16 Animals 20 Corporate 20 Indigenous 20 Newcomers 20 Spiritual 20 Environmental 21 Education 24 Seniors 26 Government 26 Sports & Recreation 27 Arts & Culture 28 Jim Schneider, Publisher/Managing Editor publisher@islandparent.ca Erika Palmer, Contributing Editor erika@islandparent.ca Kristine Wickheim, Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca RaeLeigh Buchanan, Account Manager raeleigh@islandparent.ca Volunteer Matters is a semi-annual publication by Volunteer Victoria in partnership with Island Parent Group Ltd., designed to be a fundraiser and to promote volunteerism in our community. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Volunteer Matters is distributed free in selected areas. 518 Caselton Place Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5 250-388-6905 4 Volunteer Matters 2023
Benefits of Volunteering Volunteering is an incredible experience that not only helps other people and communities but offers many benefits to the volunteers themselves. By simply giving some time and energy, you will reap incredible rewards. Here’s what to expect when you volunteer. You Get a Sense of Purpose & Fulfillment When you volunteer, you’re not just giving your time; you’re giving yourself a sense of purpose, especially if you’re volunteering with a cause close to your heart and values. It’s very rewarding to know that your actions are making a positive impact in the lives of others. This tends to result in a deep sense of belonging and meaning. You Develop New Skills Volunteering is an incredible opportunity to grow and learn new skills. The skills you acquire while you volunteer can prove invaluable in various aspects of your life. Trying out new roles and tasks broadens the skills you already have; plus helps you learn many new ones. These often include organization, communications, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These skills are invaluable for both personal development and potential career paths. You Create Wonderful Social Connections One of the best things about volunteering is that it connects you with people who share your passion for making a difference. These connections often lead to long-lasting friendships and help you to develop new network connections. You’re not just volunteering alongside others; you’re forming a close-knit community driven by a common purpose. You Can Create a Ripple Effect of Generosity Your volunteer efforts likely have a larger impact than you might realize. Witnessing acts of kindness tend to inspire others to take action by volunteering too, creating a ripple effect of positivity and helpfulness. This sense of giving has the potential to bring about positive changes on a wider scale, transforming both local communities, as well as the world at large. Your Mental Well-being Increases Acts of kindness and service trigger the release of endorphins, those natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain. Plus, the feeling of community increases your sense of inclusion. And over time, the habit of volunteering can take you out of your comfort zone which also builds your confidence and lessens anxiety, therefore fostering stronger mental resilience. Plus, being exposed to different types of communities and people from all walks of life can help to approach opportunities with resilience and an open mind. You May Gain Physical Health Benefits Too Volunteering is not only good for your mind; it’s good for your body too. Studies show that volunteers tend to have lower stress levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. Plus, many volunteer activities involve physical movement, even if it’s simply walking around or handing out food, and this helps to contribute to better overall fitness. You’ll Aid in Community Building When you volunteer, you’re contributing to building a stronger and better community. By investing your time and energy, you’re not only improving the lives of individuals but also enriching the collective well-being of your community. You’ll Gain Better Understanding & Empathy Volunteering puts you in direct contact with people from all different walks of life. This exposure to diverse cultures and different perspectives fosters understanding and empathy. It helps to debunk stereotypes and prejudices, which encourages the growth of a more inclusive and open society. Volunteer Matters 2023 5
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Page 7 and 8: James Bay Market Society 250-381-53
Page 9 and 10: Victoria Health Co-operative 778-44
Page 11 and 12: Rainbow Health Cooperative 1-888-24
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Page 15 and 16: Children & Youth Big Brothers Big S
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Page 23 and 24: What Would Happen if There Were NO
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Page 29 and 30: Open Space Arts Society 250-383-883
Page 31 and 32: Join Us! Learn How Mindful Leadersh

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