Article & Images Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author
What is a meaning of volunteerism? It is a noun that means the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward. Volunteering means to freely offer to do something.
The Women’s Institutes (WIs) are frequently the object of my articles because of it’s very deep roots in our New Brunswick communities as well as throughout Canada and the UK. But they would not exist without volunteers; they are the basis for all that we are, what we do, what we feel, and what we think as WI members. Volunteers…in the case of Women’s Institutes, are the builders of many communities. They approach their “work” with heart, time and personal sacrifice. You cannot buy your way into a WI group, there are no contractual agreements, there are no rules that can be violated that would cause your group to expel you. All WI groups ask is that you come to meetings if you can, that you agree to accept the other women as sisters, and that you think of your membership in the WI group as belonging to something greater than yourself.
What is a meaning of volunteerism? It is a noun that means the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward. Volunteering means to freely offer to do something.
The Women’s Institutes (WIs) are frequently the object of my articles because of it’s very deep roots in our New Brunswick communities as well as throughout Canada and the UK. But they would not exist without volunteers; they are the basis for all that we are, what we do, what we feel, and what we think as WI members. Volunteers…in the case of Women’s Institutes, are the builders of many communities. They approach their “work” with heart, time and personal sacrifice. You cannot buy your way into a WI group, there are no contractual agreements, there are no rules that can be violated that would cause your group to expel you. All WI groups ask is that you come to meetings if you can, that you agree to accept the other women as sisters, and that you think of your membership in the WI group as belonging to something greater than yourself.
So, what about other volunteer groups? Is there another group that fits you? Here are some ideas:
I hope these ideas have stimulated you. If it gets done in your community, you will likely find at least one volunteer but more likely many.
Further, what about buying supplies such as markers for classrooms, snacks for events, gloves for cleanup crews without asking to be reimbursed. These purchases can relieve a great burden and bring much gratitude from teachers, and other public servants.
Your time is one of the best gifts you can give. Volunteers sacrifice evenings, weekends, and holidays. They show up when others rest, often juggling jobs and families to make space for service. Their time is unpaid, but its value is immeasurable.
So, why this matters so much? This kind of sacrifice creates trust, connection, and resilience. It shows others that care doesn’t have to be transactional. It inspires neighbors to step up, and it reminds communities that generosity is contagious.
Volunteers don’t just help—they invest. And what they give, without compensation, becomes the foundation of something priceless. Consider being a part of something greater that yourself. Be a volunteer!
- Helping at a pet rescue/shelter.
- Library work such as restacking books, doing some minor repairs, logging new books or reading to kids and helping some to learn how to read.
- Hospital or health center support worker. Many do not need training…just a willing body to help.
- Joining your local non-profit organization. If you do not want to pay the small member fee (most are very minimal), many will accept auxiliary members to help at fundraising events.
- Volunteer to sit on a committee or a board that works on social issues that concern you.
- Use your vehicle to deliver meals to elderly.
- Use your vehicle to take elderly to doctor appointments or to get groceries.
I hope these ideas have stimulated you. If it gets done in your community, you will likely find at least one volunteer but more likely many.
Further, what about buying supplies such as markers for classrooms, snacks for events, gloves for cleanup crews without asking to be reimbursed. These purchases can relieve a great burden and bring much gratitude from teachers, and other public servants.
Your time is one of the best gifts you can give. Volunteers sacrifice evenings, weekends, and holidays. They show up when others rest, often juggling jobs and families to make space for service. Their time is unpaid, but its value is immeasurable.
So, why this matters so much? This kind of sacrifice creates trust, connection, and resilience. It shows others that care doesn’t have to be transactional. It inspires neighbors to step up, and it reminds communities that generosity is contagious.
Volunteers don’t just help—they invest. And what they give, without compensation, becomes the foundation of something priceless. Consider being a part of something greater that yourself. Be a volunteer!
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