GIVING BACK || THREE LESSONS I LEARNED FROM VOLUNTEERING

GIVING BACK

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart". Elizabeth Andrew (Click to Tweet)

Few hours to 2017 and I'm literally glued to my PC trying to edit this post.  I didn't want the year to end before putting up this post and also I wanted to start a fresh year by sharing some resonating lessons from my experience as a volunteer at the Charity 2016 event organised by The Executives Initiatives which held on 26 December 2016. 

I shared a few of my major highlights from 2016 in my previous post. While writing that post I realised that I had a lot to be super thankful for in 2016. The year may not have started on a perfect note but it sure ended on one and I believe that 2017 would be even better.

Can I get an affirmative amen? Amen!!!

"You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you".(Click to Tweet)

I made the decision to volunteer for the Charity 2016 event when I came across several posts on my Instagram timeline and explore feed.

The charity 2016, a project birthed from the need to share the spirit of Christmas with the less privileged. It is a product of the Executives Initiatives which is an NGO founded in 2011 by a group of young adults who felt the need to make an impact in the society. Their major objective is to promote the spirit of compassion through the act of giving. The project has been on for about three years.

I knew had to be a part of this project.

So a few days ago, I read somewhere online that volunteering is an experience that stays with you forever. True or False?    

This wasn't my first time of volunteering, I had volunteered with another NGO sometime back in February and we also visited Makoko to celebrate Valentine with the people of that community.

Makoko is a slum neighbourhood located in Lagos state. You can google more details about it.

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention".Oscar Wilde (Click to Tweet)

My first visit in February was a bit terrifying. Scratch that, it was one of those scarring moments in one's life but also an eye-opening experience. One that I was uncertain that I didn't want to relive. I was really grateful I got a chance to partake in.

That visit helped me put a lot of things in my life in perspective and I was able to see the things that truly matter in life. On realising all these, I knew that I wanted to make an impact but I did not know how or when?

So when the opportunity to volunteer came in October, I immediately jumped at it.

It was my first time volunteering with this NGO and it was an entirely different experience from the one in February.

As volunteers, we had different responsibilities attached to each role.
From sourcing for donations, getting Sponsorship, the sale of tickets, creating awareness (Media & Publicity)  and loads more.

We all had a common goal which was to ensure that the people at Makoko celebrated Christmas and we wanted to put smiles on as many faces as possible. 

Their happiness became our priority and looking back to the 26th I'm proud that we were able to achieve that and more.

The Charity 2016 was a success, there were major setbacks and the day started out a bit rough but with the right motivation we were able to pull through. A lot of disagreements and quarrels. All in all, it was a successful event.

Truly grateful to the team for having me on board. It was a lovely experience and also a big thank you to everyone that bought tickets, made donations and also showed up to support that day. Thanks for all your assistance and may almighty God bless you all immensely.

Lessons

You can make a difference.

As 2017 begins, you need to ask yourself these questions.

Who am I? How can I make a difference?

One of the many mistakes we make as individuals is to conclude that we are too little or simply waiting for our government to do everything for us. We need to change that ideology.

Volunteering taught me that it doesn't take much to be the sunshine in someone else's rainy day. Anyone can make a difference especially you. Yeah, you!!!

Gratitude.

Volunteering helps you appreciate things in your life more.  You get to see infinite reasons why you have to be grateful. Helping others is an affirmative reminder of all the things that really matter in your life like infinite mercies of God, family, friends, good health etc.

In the past, I may have complained that  I didn't like what I got for Christmas or I probably wasn't really looking forward to the holiday. However, all of that has changed for me because I realised that there are so many families who look forward to it and are excited to receive anything even if it just a plate of rice and chicken because they never get that on a regular day.

Another important thing is that it helps you think twice before complaining. Ditch your complaining habit in 2016.

Lend a helping hand.

Sharing love with the world is a beautiful thing, you seldom gain as much as you give. These little actions have a far-reaching impact on the lives of people and on the society in general.

By lending a helping hand you develop new skills, gain new insights about yourself and the world, you also discover new passions.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others". Gandhi (Click to Tweet)

Have you ever been a volunteer? If yes!!

How was your experience as a volunteer?

Have you ever considered volunteering?

"Work for a cause not for applause. Live life to express not to impress". (Click to Tweet)

I had an awesome time volunteering in 2016 and I hope this lessons also resonates with you.
I look forward to an awesome 2017 and hopefully I get to render more of my services to the community.

"Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else's help". Heather French (Click to Tweet)

Photo Credits- Hadassah O. Photography and Henri Uduku 

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Thanks for all the support in 2016, taking out time from your busy schedule to visit my blog, leave comments and even share my blog posts. I'm truly grateful. Thanks for supporting and keep supporting.

Happy New Year!!!

Cheers to an awesome 2017!!!