“Tis the Season to be Jolly” the old song goes but for many families this year is turning into ‘Tis the season to be stressful’ as demand is up for Sally Ann after the significant slowing down of our economy in 2009. This year Sally Ann is bracing for the increased need for Christmas hamper requests double what it was in previous years along with Food bank donations down as the increase of food banks rises.

The problem may only get worse in 2010 as unemployment is running out for many people who were laid off late 2008 and 2009 and still cannot find a job as many industries have not yet recovered or slow to recovery. Social Services and the need for their help in now on the rise, how much in 2010 will depend on how fast the economy starts to recover.

For those out of work can be a very depressing and stressful time, we know after a layoff in 2007 from the automotive industry left our main bread basket empty with the automotive industry only going downhill even further as time went on.

Stress, worry and depression can keep a person from finding the job or being in the right place at the right time but no matter how bleak it seems don’t let the slow economy fool you. If there is anytime, that is better then to give back to your community the time is now.

Volunteering as an individual or as a family can be one of the most uplifting experiences you can have knowing there are people like yourself with the same feelings or in the same position as you. Connecting to those around at times worse off then you helps us to appreciate what we do have and how we as an individual can make a difference in another person’s life.

Volunteering can also lead to an income no matter how small whether it’s through meeting other’s who are business owners, managers or the service you are volunteering for many have seasonal openings where they will pay for a specific amount of time you put in but also committing volunteer time to the cause as well.

The Salvation Army in Canada is one of those non-profit organizations that can lead to paid positions for the holiday season. Giving your time as a volunteer can show your dedication to commitment, show on your resume to your next employer you did not waste time sitting at home waiting for a job to come to you but instead used your time wisely helping others and reaching out. If you’re volunteering leads to a little extra cash in your pocket, then that’s a bonus for the holiday season to give back either to the community with donations whether food, toys or cash, to your family, pay bills to start off 2010 a little less debt induced. How ever you want to make that extra cash flow, a little can go along way in this economy.

Nabweekly in 2008 was dedicated as volunteers in three Ontario Provincial Parks volunteering with our greatest efforts at Arrowhead Provincial Park from May 08 – October 08, our most memorable and favourite park we always visit and have returned to over the 18 years together. When moving to Fort Erie we both wanted to find an organization we could relate closely to and decided the Niagara Distress Centre and Salvation Army were two organizations very close to our heart. Ron will be one of the many Salvation Army bell ringers over the holiday season, so when you see those who stand with the kettles remember even a couple of dollars will go to a very worthy cause.

We are hoping to further our volunteer services in many ways as we grow as a business and as a family. Our children already seeking out their own interests of organizations they can connect with on a personal basis.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping an organization it’s about helping yourself whether you find yourself down and out or to reach out and lend a hand, because when you give a piece of yourself one hand is always happy to shake another.

Together we can make our communities a happier place to live because truly

“It’s OUR Business to Make a Difference”

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