We have all heard the saying..."it's better to give than to receive". But what does this mean?

After terms of hard work, children love to be rewarded with a gift, especially one that can stir up  excitement or fun during the holidays, such as a trip or a new computer game. Adults too ‘gift’ themselves with little treats to rouse their spirits  (remember that new bag or mp3 player?) However, giving can be just as rewarding. Taking a few minutes to say hello to the elderly uncle down the corridor, helping an old lady carry her groceries home from the market – these are all ways of giving. Gifts need not be expensive to be meaningful; often it is the gift of time that is valued above everything else.

Some people may have thought about volunteering but are reluctant to start, thinking that it means setting aside a fixed amount of time each week or month that they cannot spare. However, this need not be the case. Organisations such as the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre have been helping to match would-be-volunteers with suitable events and organizations, based on individuals' interests and ability to commit. This includes one-off and ad-hoc events as well. You can also drop by the nearest Community Club, Residents’ Committee (RC) or CDC to see if there are upcoming events or causes which could use some helping hands.

With time on their hands this holidays, how about encouraging your child to take part in a volunteer project? Chances are, your child would not be new to ‘volunteer work’ that is done as part of the school’s Community Involvement Projects (CIP) or CCA activities. Going beyond organized mass activities such as these, there are so many ways to proactively volunteer one’s time. Children from as young as 8 or 9 years old can start to engage in simple but meaningful activities, particularly with their parents' or teachers' support and guidance.

These are some other ways in which your child could volunteer:

- helping out at the animal shelter (SPCA)
- reminding your neighbours of the next collection of recyclable materials or even collating materials on their behalf (recycling drives are quite common now but people may often forget due to their busy schedules)
- collecting unwanted books, toys and clothes from your neighbours, friends and extended family to be donated to the Salvation Army or a charity home
- offering to do the grocery shopping or simple home cleaning for an elderly neighbour or relative
- collecting discount coupons or vouchers for household necessities and donating them to a nearby senior citizens or family service centre
- getting together with friends to put up a show at a children’s home or contributing a few hours to accompany them on a field trip

The joy of helping others is something hard to describe, but a priceless gift and lasting treasure that you could give to your children

Have you taken part in volunteer projects, whether alone or with your family members? Do share your experience with us.

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