“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands – one for helping yourself, the other for helping others” ~ Audrey Hepburn.
Here, on this blog, you can find lots of articles on finances and investing. However, today we wish to talk about a different sort of investment. The results generated here go way beyond yourself as an individual. Yes, today we focus on giving back and investing in the community.
As you find out as you read on, contributions of this type are not limited to money. The outcome also has a much larger impact, both to you and the society you live in. Here are just some of the advantages:
- Stronger community and higher quality of life
- Improve your health – a study conducted by Harvard Medical School shows that volunteering is good for your body and mind!
- Build more friendships and even expand your professional network
- You get to develop your skills and leadership abilities
- Enhance your resume – yes, volunteering can even help you out on a professional level
- It just feels good!
Of course, there are plenty of other benefits, even spiritual ones such as karma. But whatever reason appeals to you the most, you just need to try it out and we’re sure something good will happen in the long term.
So, in what ways can you give back to the community? Here are 5 simple suggestions you can follow:
1. Help out at a soup kitchen
In 2016, the estimated number of homeless people in Kuala Lumpur alone stood at around 2000 people. As a response, many soup kitchens have stepped up to provide these people with free meals. You can help prepare and hand out food or even sponsor a few meals.
2. Donate clothes and household items
Recently, the name of Marie Kondo has exploded into the limelight. Her concept of decluttering and tidying has managed to “spark joy” to many lives around the globe. You too can help the less fortunate by donating extra stuff which you don’t need. You can get rid of items such as clothes, books, gadgets, access of coins, toiletries, and many more.
Additionally, decluttering your home also provides these other benefits:
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve sleep
- Boost productivity and creativity
- Free up your schedule and space
- Rid your home of allergens
- Help address hidden behavioural issues
- Save money
3. Help make the city a cleaner place
According to reports, Malaysia is rated as one of the world’s worst plastic polluters. This is sad news but hardly surprising. However, if we can’t change people’s mentality about littering, we might as well help clean the city up. Why not help clean the city by joining an organisation such as Trash Hero? There is no cost and no sign-up needed. You just need to show up! Cleaning materials, gloves and refreshments are provided.
4. Pass down some knowledge
Knowledge is the greatest wealth as it can’t be stolen like other assets. Rather than contribute your money, you can volunteer as a teacher to help empower the poor and needy. Furthermore, teaching will help you strengthen your own existing skills.
SOLS 24/7 , for example, is a local humanitarian organization who conducts various education and social empowerment programs at their over 100 training centres. By volunteering, you can help transform communities to develop their true potential and break the cycle of poverty.
5. Help out some furry friends
PAWS (PAWS Animal Welfare Society) is a non-profit animal shelter which takes care of unwanted dogs and cats by making sure they’re vaccinated, dewormed, neutered, and even put up for adoption. There are all sorts of volunteer work available here with each one making a huge difference to these animals’ lives.
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