Friday, May 18, 2012

If we all did just did a little...

This week I was a bit of a nut-case... just ask my husband.

The second annual Niagara Nutrition Partners Breakfast Gala was on Thursday, an event that drew over 230 guests, nine high school culinary programs and raised over $17,000 and counting.

Amazing right. I agree.

In my former position at PenFinancial, community relations was part of my job, hence the reason I initially got involved. It was an easy fit for me as I love what they do for over 13,000 children daily around Niagara. The government funds a measly 15% of any student nutrition program (breakfast, snack, lunch) therefore it's up to NNP and the schools themselves to apply for grants and fundraise the remaining dollars. No small task given there's almost 150 Niagara schools alone running programs.

My skill set in marketing, communications, PR and event planning were useful in this setting, and I was happy to oblige. A problem arose, however, once I left the Credit Union to be home with my kiddies. My time was stretched to the max, with less opportunity (and still other commitments) to fill it with. I barely made it out alive this week, and while I am uber proud of our event, I've been left with a few thoughts to mull around this long weekend.

First, how lucky was I to have a (former) employer who believed in me and my community enough to let me spend some of my volunteer hours 'on the clock'? I never wished or desired for payment, for me it was about finding the time to get it all in. Completing this project from home was one of the most difficult tests of my time management skills to date. I wish more Niagara organizations allowed their employees to lend their time, skill and expertise to the hundreds of local not-for-profits in need.

Secondly, I have a freakin' amazing husband. The poor guy barely saw me the last two weeks, as I ran from meeting to meeting in the evening, on the phone with other Committee members and ultimately sat at my PC writing agendas, scripts, press releases and answered emails. He endured many solo bedtimes listening to my kids cry 'mama', washed many a dish more than usual and waited nearly three weeks to see the Avengers because I needed to be out of the house. His first words to me after my event ended yesterday were, 'Welcome Back.' Enough said.

Finally, what will it take to get more people involved? I am a firm and very big advocate for volunteerism, and I believe that every single person has the ability to give a little of their time.

Maybe your an esthetician. Did you know that Hospice Niagara looks for people just like you to give an hour or two of you time to their end of life patients at day hospice?

Maybe you love to walk your dog! Why not volunteer once a week at the Humane Society to give a pooch some love?

Maybe you love to drive! Meals on Wheels delivers food daily to people who can't otherwise get out for food or cook. I'm guessing this is a few hours a month commitment.

Great singer? Most seniors homes wish for entertainers to walk to their doors and agree to sing for an hour or two once a month.

Accountant or financial planner? Not for profit boards are begging for your expertise and opinion.

The list goes on and on. Everyone has something to give - their skills, expertise, passion or maybe even just their ear to listen.

And if we all did just a little... than the little wouldn't have to do alot.

Consider volunteering. Today.