Win win situation for volunteers

The news item that mentioned being volunteers has helped a family learn to be humble, respect each other and be more responsible towards the needs of others should be highlighted more often. Some of us might assume that being a volunteer is a one way traffic with someone giving and the other receiving. It reality it is a win-win situation since both parties reap the benfits of the act. The volunteer does not gain in the form of material wealth but more in intangibles.

The person who has been taught to be a volunteer would realise that there are always others in need of help much more than himself. We tend to think that our problems are the hardest to solve, a great burden and need the utmost attention. When we ponder for a moment, we realise that there are others still struggling just to get that meal of the day on their table. Some find it difficult just to get from one point to the other. There are so many who need help but we just dismiss them as it does not concern us personally. Sometimes we even ignore those who are near to us.

That attitude has to be changed since we never know what will happen in the future. We are healthy and full of vigour at present but is there any guarantee that the situation remains forever. We can strive and work to minimise any calamity but in the meantime we must always remember others who are less fortunate than us. There are some born into their situation and still need some help in order for them to lead a normal life. A good example are those born blind or became blind because of an accident or disease in their adulthood. A simple act like crossing the road can be a major challenge to them if the infrastructure in the vicinity is not geared to cater to their special needs. There might not be raised tiles to guide them along the streets or the traffic lights are not the specially programmed version which will beep when the green man lights up. It does not take much to take the blind man's hand and guide him to his intended direction but sometimes we just glance away.

We must make an effort with little steps. The majority of those less fortunate did not ask to be in that situation and the better offs in society do not have the right to just ignore or look down on them. Some might say that giving a donation should be enough of a gesture in helping this group of people but remember money alone does not help them. They are a part of society too and we can and must do our part so they will not be marginalised.

Image from lawsuccess