The other night I was at this corporate function where someone asked me what I do for leisure. Usually I will just say I sleep any free time I get. But that night, the impromptu reply was that 'I volunteer'. Haha. Yep. And I enjoy myself very much. While I am not the type who is comfortable with one-on-one interaction, even while I was working at the nursing home, I do find it very meaningful doing my bit for people who really need whatever I have to give. So no, I have not learnt how to read to the elderly or feed the young, I am enjoying planning all sorts of activities to better their lives; whether it is fundraising for the poor, collecting books for the young, or simply arranging a makeover session for the old and lonely.

I have come to strongly advocate that it is not whether you can, but if you will. It does not take a lot of time or money, just a little committment once in a while. Everyone has the same number of hours in a day, it is how we choose to spend them. Granted, often people who do not volunteer because they do not how to get about it, not because they are not willing. It certainly makes everything alot more fun and persuasive if you join a group of like-minded people to get things going. I am glad that I found mine.

It is tiring no doubt, on top of the hectic work life and minimal social life. But definitely worth every bit of it. If any of you are interested just give me a call. No obligation to join but you are welcome to sit in whatever meeting or activities we have. Volunteering is not all about depressing issues and people. Often the fellowship with other volunteers are very meaningful too, not to mention enriching.

Go on, find a cause you are passionate about or always wanted to be involved in. Then ask around how you can be involved. It often is so much easier than we all think.

Be a volunteer.