Giving back is something that’s always meant a lot to me. Growing up I volunteered whenever and where ever I could. Every Sunday I ran the nursery at my parent’s church so that members of the congregation could leave their kids during the service and I would care for them until the service was over. I helped teach young children how to skate every winter through the figure skating organization back home. I was the time and score keeper for the men’s hockey league 2-3 times every week up at the arena. My mom ran a communal centre for teens every weekend and I would often volunteer to clean or decorate for holidays. You get the picture. I love to volunteer! Regardless of what’s going on in my personal life, I’ve always tried to find a way to give back in any way that I can.

If I was asked to describe my life right now using one word, I would, without any hesitation, use the word “busy”. I work full-time at StaffStat, 8:30 to 4:30 from Monday to Friday, and part-time at P&M’s Kouzzina, around 3-4 shifts per week. When I’m not scheduled to work at the restaurant, I’m usually on call with StaffStat. It isn’t unusual for me to work 100+ hours in a two-week period, while also juggling a social life, a volleyball league, me time and so much more. Now if that wasn’t enough, I’ve recently signed up to be a ‘big sister’ with the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization here in Sudbury.

When I started writing this blog, it really got me asking myself the question, “Why do I volunteer?” I then thought about what makes others want to volunteer. I’ve always just done it without giving much thought as to why, so today I thought I would take some time to jot down the reasons why I enjoy volunteering in hopes of inspiring others to do the same:

1. I believe that what goes around comes around. I’m a firm believer in karma. I wholeheartedly believe that if you are a good person, good things will happen to you. How true that actually is I’ll never know, but believing that if I do good unto others that good will be done unto me is good enough for me!

2. It makes me feel good. I love the idea of helping others. My mom taught me while I was growing up not to expect anything in return when you help others and I’ve never had that sort of mindset. It makes me feel good inside to volunteer and, much like the first point I made, I believe that if I’m ever in need, I’ll be more likely to receive the help that I need if I’ve been the one doing the helping in the past.

3. I want to make a difference. I’ve never volunteered in a role like I will be with BBBS, but, from what I’ve heard, it’s a very rewarding experience. I’ve read and heard so many great stories from “bigs” who still have their “littles” in their lives years later. While I’m not entirely sure of what to expect from the program, I know that the outcome is going to be positive on my end. And if I’m presented with the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child who needs it, that’s the most rewarding thing for me. 

4. I like the idea of giving back. Although I was never a “little” myself, I love the idea of giving back to the community by volunteering through the program. Everything that the program stands for I feel strongly about and I’m so excited to learn more about the opportunities that the program presents me with!