The Plan by Investors Group^TM

How to get the most from volunteering

You’ve reached that time in your life when you have time for doing those personal things that truly matter to you. Your age doesn’t really matter – what matters is that you now have the health, wealth and desire to give back to your community in a very tangible way.

You can choose to do that by giving donations directly to charitable organizations, but you can also choose to take a more active role, through volunteering – and that too, is something we Canadians are very good at. And, very often, charitable giving through volunteering can be even more valuable than simply writing a cheque.

Volunteers are active everywhere – providing social and health services, educating and supporting recreation, arts, culture, environmental and crime prevention programs. They help run food banks, emergency shelters and crisis hotlines. They serve on the front-lines helping others, on fundraising committees, or on boards of directors for voluntary organizations. Wherever they are and whatever they do, volunteers play a critical role in our society.

If you’re thinking of volunteering, here are some tips for getting the most out of your volunteering experience:

Choose a cause you believe in – ask yourself what causes or interests matter to you.
Put your lifetime of skills and experience to good use – ask yourself what skills, experience or talents you want to share.
Volunteer for an organization or cause that ‘fits’ your lifestyle and personality and is of personal interest to you -- ask yourself what you want to achieve from your volunteer experience and find an organization that answers your question.
Decide how much time you have to give and whether you want to stretch yourself – ask yourself if you want to learn about a specific cause or learn new skills … or even start a new career.

And by the way, volunteering is good for you. A study by Volunteer Canada found direct links between volunteering and health. People who volunteer – especially if it involves helping others – are generally happier and healthier in their later years.

By planning now – having a strong financial strategy and building up your retirement savings – you will have the time and nest egg to volunteer. Your Investors Group Consultant will help make this happen.

--------------------------
This article, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc., (in Quebec – a Financial Services Firm), presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.