In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in protecting the environment and natural resources. This is where Ocean Wise comes in. They are a conservation organization, working to protect our waterways with initiatives such as seaforestation and waterway cleanups. Individuals can volunteer and fight pollution hands-on by organizing a shoreline cleanup through the organization’s website. There are plenty of locations in Abbotsford, such as Mill Lake Park and Fishtrap Creek, where leaders can form a group in order to remove garbage and plastic pollutants near the water bodies.
While environmental action is important, human connection matters too. For students enthusiastic about social justice, Archway offers an immense number of volunteer opportunities. Volunteer openings consist of two categories: food bank volunteers and regular roles, like assisting seniors or organizing donations. Anyone over the age of 16 may apply to join their volunteer program, as individuals or in a group.
Gardening is a common hobby among students. Did you know there is a place in Abbotsford where people can donate seeds? Students can reach out to the Abbotsford Community Garden (ACG) to dedicate some of their time. ACG reserves a plot for volunteers to grow vegetables which are later supplied to the food bank. You will be hitting two targets with a single arrow by volunteering at the Community Garden.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley
This is an organization that provides opportunities for students interested in mentoring young people. Volunteers offer guidance by sharing life experience and helping youth with day-to-day tasks. This can help to build confidence, and teach life skills such as communication, critical thinking, and self care.
For those looking to help animals, the BC SPCA is a great place to start. They aim to protect vulnerable animals, as well as provide them with food, medical treatments, and safe homes. Individuals can get involved in a lot of different ways, including volunteering during adoption events for animals, dog walking, and caring for cats.
Small acts
Small acts of kindness are not restricted only to established organizations; they can also be done in our daily lives. Offering our seat on the bus to elderly citizens, helping the neighbours cut their grass and helping them around the house, or paying for the meal of someone who deeply needs it but cannot afford it.
Connecting with religious communities can also be a great way to volunteer. Students can go to their respective religious groups, where they can assist in the day-to-day activities and events. For instance, I used to volunteer at the Gur Sikh Temple. I assisted in the regular functioning of the place and helped wrap meals which were supplied to the unhoused community of Abbotsford.
Another innovative way to brighten someone’s day is to start a “pay it forward” chain — repaying a person’s kind deed to you by being kind to someone else. A little goes a long way. For instance, as an example from my life: I was at a store that didn’t accept cards for payment, and I didn’t have any cash on me. A person there helped me by paying for my drink. Later, remembering their kindness, I paid it forward by paying for someone else’s meal.
Students are the future leaders of this country and if there is a moment to perform even a small good deed for somebody, they should do it. Ready to start? Pick one action today. Visit one of the organizations listed above, grab a trash bag and clean up your community, or perform a small act. Your community and your future self will thank you.
