If you’re lucky, you get an opportunity to show your gratitude for the great experiences that others have shared or return the favour to someone for what they or an organization have done for you over a lifetime. Some might not realize the need with their busy schedule; others choose to let it slide, taking a good thing for granted (I fell into the second group, in my opinion).
To be invited to volunteer to help others could be seen as an undue burden as their time is valuable. That’s ok; time is also money when you are still in the mainstream with a career. When you push back and retire or can flex your calendar to help, volunteering is a bonus for everyone. The proverbial win, win!
No matter which side of the equation you end up on, volunteering makes me happier, possibly more than the recipients of the efforts. It’s my win-win. Fortunate to have been affiliated with some outstanding people over the years, I dreaded retirement. Distancing myself from coworkers and friends was a loss. It contradicted the intrigue and excitement associated with a long career as a first responder.
Contributing to a cause or event through volunteering started decades ago, serving as a volunteer firefighter. That one may not be everyone’s cup of tea though it fed a desire that transitioned to a career. A few seasons into the ambulance business, a curiosity for flying drew me into helping at the London Airshow. It was a chance to combine two interests.
I know this blog is about me (oh, and I use “I” and “my” too much, sorry in the most Canadian way), but along the way, I have had the pleasure of associating with the best people over the years. Hearing about their diverse interests and professions has been gratifying. Working alongside others has fed a synergy with accomplishments as a group through combining efforts, rarely seeing conflict you might encounter in a conventional workplace setting.
Friends who serve in mental health call centres, victims’ services, special Olympics and delivering meals to those who are shut-in are just a sampling of the folks I hold in the highest regard. For a good reason, some volunteer opportunities do not publicly offer recognition with organizations that want to blend into our societal fabric. Generous individuals still serve enthusiastically and quietly at the same time, thank you.
This week, a rather large group of donors are helping the music industry with a national awards gala being hosted locally. This is my first opportunity to help at this event. I will enjoy working with hundreds of big-hearted people, despite not being a country music enthusiast. Who knows, maybe I will add a new playlist to my phone.
It was only a few days ago I suffered nineteen cardiac events over two days. No, the chest pain was portrayed, not real (this time). A colleague invited me to participate as a patient in scenarios during our local paramedic service’s testing and recruiting process. Two driving forces were propelling my interest:
First, to feed my social appetite, the chance to catch up with friends still on the front lines. The second theme was seeing and working with enthusiastic young paramedic candidates surging into a career, eyes wide open. A portion of the applicants are students being reviewed for their upcoming final clinical rotation at the ambulance service. The early look will give the training division a chance to see who is up for grabs.
The remaining contenders are college graduates who will likely jump at the offer to join the service. It is an unprecedented time where communities are increasing their ranks in a fight to keep pace with swelling call volumes. All while suffering the collateral loss of staff to retirement and sagging spirits in an overworked industry.
Watching others offer their services as volunteers over the years, I continue to admire their spirit and value their contributions from a distance. Sparingly offering up my time, I could have given more to others earlier on. That is a regrettable oversight.
Today, when I am asked to donate time as a volunteer, I do my best to pay back others and make their experiences a success. Everyone has something to give, and not necessarily in a monetary sense. Time, enthusiasm and possibly your past experience are invaluable. What a life lesson. One that I should have worked on long ago. Oh well, there’s no time like the present.
When was the last time you volunteered? How are you paying it forward?