Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society. It is offering time, energy and skills of one's own free will. It is an extension of being a good neighbour, transforming a collection of houses into a community, as people become involved in the improvement of their surroundings and choose to help others. By caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and disparity, while they gain skills, self-esteem and change their lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbours and, in return, enhance their own.
Volunteer Canada (Link to www.volunteer.ca )
Volunteering builds your social networks, increases your skills, reduces stress and promotes health and wellness.
Volunteering & Healthy Aging: volunteer50plus.ca
Volunteering
...encourages interaction between people living in a community and strengthens community connections.
...boosts your own health: feeling connected to community can also play a key role in how healthy you feel.
...reduces your stress: The key may lie in the sense of calmness that comes from helping others, also known as the helper's high.
...appears to give new meaning to life, reducing anxiety and depression and increasing life satisfaction.