Volunteers: a win-win situation!

In every corner of the world, there are unsung heroes who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and skills for the betterment of others. They are the backbone of communities, organizations, and humanitarian efforts. You may have recently noticed a multitude of new resources on our website. This is because GARC is lucky enough to have some of these amazing volunteers working their magic:

• Jacques, Brigitte and Celia who tirelessly translate most of our content into French.
• Edi Alves who has translated various resources into Portuguese.
• Cynthia who continuously advises on our social media presence.
• Amanda who has recently joined us with her valuable design expertise.

We wanted to sincerely thank them for their continued and tireless support. Ironically, some of the very people we are thanking will be assisting with translating this article into French!

While the primary goal of volunteering is to help others, it also brings numerous benefits to the volunteers themselves.

One of the most profound benefits of volunteering is the sense of fulfilment and purpose it provides. Knowing that you are making a difference in someone's life or working towards a noble cause can boost self-esteem and provide a renewed sense of purpose. It also allows individuals to gain a broader perspective on life by interacting with people from different backgrounds and facing diverse challenges. This, in turn, promotes empathy and understanding toward the struggles of others, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. By working directly with individuals or communities in need, volunteers develop a deeper appreciation for their own privileges and become more aware of social issues.

Volunteering offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and skill development, enhancing professional advancement and providing unique career opportunities. It allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, learn new things, and gain valuable experiences. These acquired skills can benefit volunteers in their personal and professional lives, often showcasing their capabilities at the same time.

In this (digital) era when 'maintaining connections' is of the utmost importance, volunteering brings people together from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of community and fostering connections. In addition, engaging in volunteering activities has been linked to improved mental and physical well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Volunteering promotes a sense of belonging, combats feelings of loneliness, and increases overall life satisfaction.  

Volunteering offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the act of giving. However, the benefits to the causes served seem to be far far greater. We would like to therefore take this opportunity to thank Jacques, Brigitte, Amanda, Edi, Celia and Cynthia for their ongoing commitment and dedication. And to all the volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time, talent, and energy, we express our deepest gratitude. Your compassion, generosity, and unwavering spirit make an immeasurable difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

If you are interested in volunteering for GARC, you must first graduate our free, online education course, the Rabies Educator Certificate. Get involved and register for the course here.

Article by: Kerenza Vlastou (Outreach Manager, GARC)