Give It A Try: Volunteering Is A Worthwhile Activity

Winter can be a difficult time to keep to a healthy routine. The dark evenings make exercising difficult considering the weather is bitter cold and rain is never too far away. That said, taking up a new activity is a great idea which has many benefits. From exercise to a new pastime, there are so many options it can be difficult to choose. However, a really worthwhile activity both for you and the people involved, is volunteering.

• It breaks up your week.
• It allows you to help others.
• You can go alone or bring a friend if you feel like company.
• You will meet new people and/or animals depending on the activity you choose.
• You will feel better knowing you have helped others.

The run-up to Christmas is an ideal time to begin volunteering so that you can make a difference to those in need at a special time of year. Charities such as St. Vincent de Paul or The Lions Club are a great place to begin and they have branches all over the country. If you’re an animal lover, there are numerous charities you can get involved with including the Dog’s Trust, theISPCA and the DSPCA Animal Rehoming and Rescue Centre. Friends of the Elderly is a charity set up to help avoid social isolationand loneliness amongst older people. Soup kitchens in some of the larger cities such as Dublin, Galway and Cork are another way you can help out especially during the cold winter months. Even if you can’t make it a weekly thing, charity events are held all the time. By giving up your Saturday morning to pack bags at the local supermarket or taking to the streets to collect for charity, you are doing your bit. You’re also giving something new a try and as the saying goes, variety is the spice of life.