The holidays have since passed, but it does not mean that your
giving has to end. This year, you can resolve to find ways to
contribute to your community or to a worthy cause. Volunteerism is
one of those ways. Volunteerism builds communities and improves
society - making it a better place for all who live in it.
In Canada, we have seen the rate of volunteerism grow. In 2010,
more than 13.3 million people volunteered indicating a 6.4%
increase from 2007 and 12% from 2004. With more fundraising and
issue awareness activities happening online, we can expect that
this upward trend will continue.
Volunteerism was once considered an altruistic act, which is
purely charitable and selfless, with no benefit to the donor.
However, as of recent, people widely accept the notion of both
sides benefiting from volunteerism. Studies cite multiple ways in
which the giver and receiver benefit from an altruistic
transaction; ranging from promoting various health boosters,
inducing
