International Volunteer Day

Be a Northern Light!

The United Nations has designated December 5 as a day to acknowledge volunteers who contribute to a better world. Be a 'northern light' by thanking someone who brightens your life.

or. . .

Join volunteers across the world by making the choice to help your community. Because volunteering is about giving time, what better way to celebrate the holiday season than by bringing a little light into someone else's life?

Five simple things you can do to brighten someone's life:

1. Surprise someone by bringing him or her a coffee.
2. Offer to baby-sit for an evening, free of charge.
3. Deliver hot cocoa to the mail carrier, by-law officer, or crossing guard.
4. Create a basket full of mittens, socks, hats, scarves, etc., and deliver to a shelter.
5. Visit with someone who can't be with family or friends this holiday season.

Don't just look at the northern lights. Celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5 and be a northern light. Helping out is a strong northern tradition. So why not light up your community by sharing your time and energy. Or, thank someone who has brightened up your life and let them know their contribution matters.

For more information and ideas on International Volunteer Day, check out Volunteer Canada's website at http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/int-l-volunteer-day.html