Thinking about volunteering? Here is a passage from Maggie Lee Smith about how volunteering teaches children crucial lessons from being selfless, appreciating others, remembering how connected we all are, and understanding that one of the greatest gifts in life is giving to others.
When I look back on my life, it is the times when I was making a difference that are my favourite experiences. Whether it was with a teacher, a friend, a family member, a stranger, or my own children, it continues to be the moments that I have connected with someone, and somehow touched their heart, that are so preciously stored in my memory.
I clearly remember helping out at Special Olympics when I was a teenager and working at the Rape Crisis Centre when I was in university. I will never forget handing out plates of food in a soup kitchen during spring break or, more recently, watching kids’ faces light up as they become empowered during classes that help build their character.
The feelings of compassion, gratitude and hope that I have had throughout those moments has been inspiring, to say the least. Not only do I remember to be grateful for what I have in my own life, but I am reminded how fortunate I am to have time and skills to make a difference in someone else’s.
Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I look forward to sharing the joy with my children in the coming years. I believe volunteering can teach both children and adults so much: about being selfless, appreciating others, remembering how connected we all are, and understanding that one of the greatest gifts in life is giving to others.
If you are interested in volunteering in China here are some recommended companies to work with:
Hands On China - Through volunteer-based services, we assist underprivileged and struggling families by means of financial assistance, mentoring, healthcare, educational, nutritional, holiday and emergency programs. We strive to improve the quality of life in China by making a difference.
Care For Children - Foster Care in China - Care for Children exists to relieve hardship, distress and sickness in abandoned and orphaned children in Asia by the introduction of strategic initiatives in local family placement care as an alternative to institutional care, at the request of, and in cooperation with, government authorities.
Shepherd's Field Children's Village - Resurrects hope in the lives of special needs orphans of all ages.
