Time Well Spent: Making a Difference

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

~ Winston Churchill ~

There’s no greater feeling than when you add a little light to someone else’s life.  Acts of kindness can be as small as a smile to lift a spirit or as big as volunteering your time with a local charity.  It all counts. It all helps. It all makes a difference.  Plus, with the season of giving fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to get started.  So…go ahead, make a difference and see for yourself how good it feels. 

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

 

The gift of life:  between November 21 and January 2, Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to give the “perfect gift” this holiday season – give blood. Over 101,000 life-saving “gifts” are needed for hospital patients from coast to coast.

 

Feed the hungry: so many families throughout NS are in need of food, especially during the holidays. Volunteer with Feed Nova Scotia, help out at a soup kitchen, or organize your own neighbourhood food drive.

 

Elder aware:  the winter months are much harder on the elderly;  not only cause it’s harder for them to get out and about, but all that time at home can be quite lonely.  If you have elderly neighbours or relatives, be sure to check in on them often, bring them a meal once-in-a-while and offer to run some errands for them.

 

Toys, Toys, Toys:  There is no such thing as too many toys when it comes to the Annual toy drive.  When you’re picking up some toys for your own children this holiday season, choose a few extra items and drop them off at any Metro Empire Theatres and the Salvation Army will distribute the toys to families in need around the city.

 

Pets count too:  Animal shelters are extra busy over the holidays and can use all the help you can give. Make a donation to the SPCA and don’t forget pet food and toys count too!  Better yet, if you’re thinking of adding a pet to your family this Christmas, why not consider adopting one.

 

Bring some warmth: Gather up any warm clothes from around your house that’s not being used and bring it to any of the shelters around the city,  As the weather starts to get colder they will have more and more visitors – families, parents and children alike.  It’s amazing the warmth that a coat and scarf brings when you don’t have one.

 

Sing! Music is always a fun way to lift some spirits.  Why not organize a evening of neighbourhood caroling and be sure to focus on families or individuals who could use an extra lift.

 

Help the Homeless:  Stash a few pieces of fruit, granola bars and toonies in your car and make a point of sharing it with some of the homeless folks you pass along the way home.   That apple might be the only meal they have all day.