Family Volunteering |
With constant reminders of terrorism being talked about everywhere, attempts to return back to a normal routine has been a struggle for many Canadian families. But according to child experts, parents can give a sense of control back to their children by letting them help out in their community in a meaningful way. Now more than ever, we need to focus on the importance of supporting each other- and recognize how the family unit is the backbone of our community. Families do have the power to make a difference in the lives of people - and ultimately make the world a better place.
Eileen McLaughlin an Executive Director with a local Volunteer Centre, is currently getting ready for National Family Week, "volunteering as a family is an excellent way to teach our children about values, and give them a sense of responsibility towards others in their community. We can suggest a number of ways parents can include their children in volunteering in Canada; perhaps they can adopt a senior in their neighbourhood to help with their snow shovelling, or bake cookies for the soup kitchen or local food bank." She says.
But for so many parents who are busy with work commitments outside the home, they are reluctant to volunteer - fearing it will take them away from important time with their family. But in addition to the Volunteer Centre, there are many other charitable organizations across Canada that offer 'family focused' fundraisers and programs where you can include your children. Volunteering along side your kids will make your family stronger by doing something together that is positive. And as we all know, doing activities together as a family provides quality time with each other, and gives a shared sense of purpose.
During a time of so much uncertainty, being aware of the needs of others will help your children take the focus off of their own worries and direct their attention to the needs of other people. Experiences like this can help our children realize that they have an important role in our community - and that by giving to others, they put their own problems into perspective. Sharing a positive and happy volunteer experience is one of the most rewarding activities you can do with your family, and there is no shortage of local non-profit organizations across Canada who need your help.
The Canadian Red Cross is also an organization that needs family volunteers. Jacquelin Clark is a community Volunteer Coordinator and Field Assistant of Fund Development, she stresses that children are our future - "they are our future donors and volunteers, and if families can start now by helping show their children the value of community service, then we will be in good hands. Something that families can do on an ongoing basis is to assist the Red Cross in packing 'Comfort Kits', these are kits containing the basics like toothbrushes, soap, etc. that are distributed to people like those recently stranded at airports during the attacks on the US, or families burned out by fire, for instance." The contribution of a family can be very significant she says, and now with so many coin boxes distributed around, we need children and families to help roll change, or families and neighbourhoods can hold bottle or penny drives to raise money for our programs." According to Ms. Clark, "being a good role model and teaching our children the value of volunteering is vital to the existence of any charity."
Charity does begin at home, and children are never too young to learn how good it feels to help other people. If your family would like to give the gift of themselves, give your local volunteer centre a call to see how you can volunteer with your family. Once you get involved, you will see that a family volunteer project is one of the most effective ways you as a parent can reinforce the importance of cooperation, tolerance, and respect of others.
Anne Marie Robichaud is a Mom and staff writer for Canadian Parents Online.
