Give it for good this holiday season

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There is a surprising link between giving and happiness, the happier you are, the more you give

There’s a growing sense of disconnect in our world, due to such prevailing behaviors as cocooning at home, versus connecting with our neighbours, and tuning out versus tuning in because of the inordinate time we spend on our phones.

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For many, that sense of detachment can intensify during the holiday season. As shared by Psychology Today, “those standing outside the social momentum of the season… (can feel) even more isolated.” And the reality is it’s a feeling any one of us are susceptible to, depending on where we are in our lives, the challenges we face and the support we have or don’t have.

One way to overcome that sense of disconnect is by giving back to causes in a way that positively impacts the livelihood of others. As Canadian organization 365 Give observes, “there is a surprising (link) between giving and happiness… (and) the happier you are, the more you give. It’s a wonderful cycle that creates a goodness that benefits everyone around you.” 

With that in mind, here is a list of five ways you can made a difference by giving for good.

One. Support Sally. Much like David Phillips does in the Niagara Region. I had a chance encounter with him a few days ago as I was leaving the local grocery store. David was manning the Salvation Army station and when I asked him why he was there, he said he regularly lends his support even though he’s not a member of the church, “because they do a great job of helping others out.” This work includes helping to fund local food banks, school programs and camps (and) shelters for people experiencing homelessness. So the next time you pass one of their stations, consider chipping in. Even if it’s just a toonie or two.

Two. Give some blood. According to Canadian Blood Services, hospital needs are rising quickly and “there as simply not enough people donating to meet the growing demand.” Many of us (including myself until recently) don’t fully appreciate the impact blood and plasma contributions have. In addition to replacing blood lost by patients through injury, other uses include: in support of cancer treatment to make lifesaving medications and for transfusions to help fight sickle cell disease. 

Three. Give some sweat. In other words, donate your time. As we all know, time is precious and there are countless community groups that could use your support. One potential starting point is to check out Volunteer Canada, whose mission is to “advance volunteerism to grow connection, community and belonging.” Volunteer Canada supports over 1,100 organizations, helping those of us looking to lend a hand to find “causes and issues in your local community that need your passion, energy and time.”

Four. Help takeaway tears. A sad reality is that because of the way we inextricably link Santa with Christmas, kids fully expect to get that toy they’ve always wanted. But far too many disadvantaged families must choose between gift giving and paying for groceries or heat. So one way to put a smile on the face of a local kid is to support one of your community’s toy drives.

Five. Get engaged. Well more specifically, get others engaged towards creating a ripple effect. A few months ago I made my first plasma donation through Canadian Blood Services and have since donated three more times and now plan to make it a monthly commitment, which is still nothing of course compared to some ‘veterans’ who have donated hundreds of times over the years. 

An equally feel good experience has been to convince my local friend Andre to donate plasma as well. So, my new goal is to not only to keep supporting Canadian Blood Services but also to convince others to get behind a great cause of their choice, whether it’s blood, sweat or helping to dispel those tears of disappointment.

While lending your support is an important first step, getting others to do the same not only amplifies the positive impact, but can go a long way towards creating a greater sense of community and connection.

Mark Wessel lives in Ridgeway, Ont. and is a passionate advocate for living more sustainably at home and in the greater community. Visit www.markdouglaswessel.com