Day 10 of Blogmas - Power of Volunteering

First of all, I'd like to begin by thanking you all for commenting on so many of my Blogmas posts. Not just commenting, but sending huge nice compliments.

I've been thinking about writing about the importance of volunteering for a while, but after the success of my recent fundraising post and the kind comments discussing my biggest accomplishment, it confirmed that it might be useful to discuss. It's something I know about and am passionate about.

Anyway onto today's post that hopes to promote the art I believe to be volunteering. So many people I know consider it to just be working in Cancer Research or any other charity you see on the high street. I am prove of this. I've volunteered at different capacities. Here is a brief list of some of the main volunteering roles I've done:

1. Community Event Volunteer in fundraising office for a local hospice
2. Bid writing volunteer - applying for trusts on behalf of a charity
3. Magazine assistant - managing social media
4. PR and Fundraising volunteer - dealing with press releases and admin within a local charity 
5. Office intern
6. Marketing and fundraising volunteer
7. Volunteering within a British Red Cross Shop
8. Wrapping presents for local hospital
9. Marshalling at community event
10. Supporting and representing charity at a corporate fundraising event

I'm not just saying this to look good or make myself appear better because I know I'm amazing already (jokes). I'm promoting volunteering as I think people should all do it at one time or another. There is different kinds of volunteering for everyone, whether it is fundraising seasonally, for events, in charity shops, helping in a charity office, driving or something specific to your skills. For example, I once worked for a charity who recruited a volunteer who was able to do reflexology on clients.

Today I volunteered for the local hospital to help wrap presents for patients that were not lucky to be at home over Christmas. It was very touching. I hear the presents were also going to the community to support other causes such as Salvation Army, Womens Aid and a local homeless charity. I'm ashamed to say this is the first time I've done some volunteering for Christmas. I've known people who give up their Christmas to volunteer, or go and do oversea projects.

Why do I always look uncomfortable in pictures?

All I have to say is volunteering can give so much not only to the charity, but to you too. You help charities by helping reduce staff costs, administrative costs and decrease time to get tasks done and more time to concentrate on other areas. However in return, you can learn a new skill, boost your confidence and so much more!

Let me know your thoughts and experiences of fundraising.