Time To Give

This particular weekend means a lot of different things to different people. You get an extra day to do with what you wish. You get to spend time with family and friends, over a beautifully home-cooked meal and perhaps do some apple picking. However, I want you all to really understand that we are not all this lucky.


There will be many people out there with none of the things that I mentioned. So please remember to give to your local food bank, as well as, taking part in our food drives within your workplaces. If you don’t have one-start one. It’s that simple. As well, I would ask that you all take some time and truly think about what you’re giving away for the homeless/less fortunate this Thanksgiving.

Don’t just throw/buy anything just to say that you did your “due-diligence” and participated in a cause. Rather, I want you to BE THE CAUSE! Keep in mind that there are many people out there with health concerns/issues. So when purchasing/giving food items for a drive, make sure that you give things that are low in sodium, or high in fibre and whole grains. We all deserve a healthier choice, whether we can afford it or not!!! For those of you who wish to do more, you can participate in a local food kitchen-serving food or visiting your local Fire Hall and help to sort/box food items, so they are ready to be shipped to families and food banks

Aside from festive times throughout the year, there are many more ways to give back within your community. However, helping the homeless is something that most do when volunteering short-term.
If you love children, you can volunteer at your local PTA. They are always looking for members to brain-storm with and create new ideas for their local school districts.

If the PTA is not your thing, but you do love spending time with children, join your local "Big Brother / Big Sister" foundations.  They are always looking for people to help out.  You can also join the United Way and help organize "career days" and "athletic days" in your area.

We have finally adopted a “Go Green” attitude in this society, which is wonderful. So why not organize your own “clean- up day” within your community? You can contact your Local MP and have them support your cause.

If you know of an older run-down neighbourhood with a playground that needs a “make-over”, grab some family/friends and repaint the playground. The kids will love you for it and the adults within that community will feel good about it too.

There are also many reading groups that you can become a part of also. You can help with things like: reading programs, reading/writing blogs, teaching children/adults how to read and write, become a tutor and so much more. For more information please visit: Literacy Connections at: http://www.literacyconnections.com/ or to learn more about Literacy Organizations and “Give Back” programs, please visit: http://www.frontiercollege.ca/english/literacy/toronto.html

There are many different ways to volunteer within a society. However, don’t think that you must tackle big things in order to feel as though you’ve helped out. Even the little gestures are grand. If everyone did something very small repeatedly, it would turn into something big in no time. For example: There are plenty of ways to help someone living on the streets, other than giving out hot food at a shelter. Rather than ignoring them, talk to them and be kind. Don’t just simply walk away. Not only is it selfish but rude too. Give them a toothbrush with toothpaste. It seems silly, I know, but trust me someone will love it. Give them a fast food restaurant certificate. Buy someone a sandwich, a bottle of water and some fresh fruit. Or in the end, you could do something very small and quite simple. Just smile. : )

At the end of the day, all of your good gestures will be accounted for. Maybe not by society, maybe not by those you know, but from yourself. You will appreciate you. You will feel great about doing good things for others. It will make you more creative, keep you happy and most importantly make you a wonderful individual that you can be proud of.

It’s our time to give, and the time is NOW. This is your world folks, so become a part of it in any way you can. You just never know when you might need a helping hand within this life. So let’s make a difference in EVERY WAY we can!