We're hearing a lot these days about the demographic shift in Canada. For the first time, there are more seniors than there are people 15 and younger, according to a recent story in the Globe and Mail.
There is also a lot of focus on the boomers, who are just starting to hit retirement age. Finally, we have the millennials.
Writing as a long-time fundraiser, boomers and seniors are the people who donate to us most often. It's understandable. If you are a senior or a boomer, chances are you are well established. Your children are out on their own or close to being out on their own. Over the years, you have made choices about what's important to you and where you want to give your donation dollars to. For all of our donors who are seniors or boomers, thank you for helping Shepherds of Good Hope help so many people who are in desperate need in our community. I can't thank you enough for your generosity, especially at this time of year as we get closer to the Christmas holidays.
So where does that leave the millennials? It's understandable that many millennials are still trying to establish themselves, still trying to determine what causes are the most important to them. So this next message is for the millennials.
There are 1,600 men and women who rely on us every day. We offer them food, shelter and clothing. We offer them innovative programs and services to help them realize a life of dignity. We find them homes in supportive living where they can live more independently while still receiving 24/7 care and support from our employees.
But don't take my word for it. Call me and ask for a tour. I would love to arrange for you an opportunity to see firsthand how your donation dollars impact so many people. We also have many volunteer opportunities. Did you know that Shepherds of Good Hope relies on the work of more than 400 volunteers? You can be a part of our volunteer family. We hope by becoming on a tour or by volunteering, you'll choose to support our work.
Some of you younger millennials might be wondering, can I really make a difference. The answer is a resounding yes and that's why I'm reaching out to you. If you would like a tour, contact me by email at asilverman@shepherdsofgoodhope.com.
For volunteer opportunities, click here.
To donate, click here.
Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts
Monday, 16 November 2015
Monday, 6 July 2015
The value of seniors
Last week, I blogged a couple of times about the value of getting young people involved in philanthropy and how one eight-year-old girl collects food and other items for Shepherds of Good Hope.
Today, I want to talk about the other end of the age spectrum -- seniors.
We are blessed to have many volunteers at Shepherds of Good Hope. Our Volunteer Manager Sue Alcott and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Brazolot do a fantastic job of finding volunteers, matching them up with the proper services and scheduling them in for our various programs.
We have many seniors who volunteer and it isn't just because they're retired and have the time. That's part of it for some, of course. But seniors simply have more life experience. Those of us who are older know what it's like to fall on hard times now and again. Thankfully, for most of us, hard times didn't mean having to sleep in a shelter or eat in a soup kitchen. But we're smart enough to know that we could have easily been the person on the other side of the serving line in the soup kitchen.
According to research in the U.S., a couple of years ago, senior volunteering is at a 10-year high. And the percentage of volunteers who are seniors has been increasing over the last decade. One in three senior volunteers is over the age of 55. It makes sense. Our largest demographic, the boomers, are starting to enter their golden years.
When we talk to our volunteers, seniors of younger, there are always a few common answers. People simply want to give back. You hear that over and over and yet it's the easiest way to explain why people choose to volunteer. People recognize how fortunate they are and want to do something good in the world for those people who are not so fortunate.
Another common thread is that volunteering is rewarding, it can be fun, and you meet people who obviously share the same concerns, the same will to make a difference.
Every day when I walk into our main building, I see seniors doing their part. Without them, it would be a lot more difficult for us to deliver the services to Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women.
If you would like to know more about our volunteer opportunities, check out our volunteer page. Not only are current volunteer needs listed, but you'll also find some handy contact information.
Today, I want to talk about the other end of the age spectrum -- seniors.
We are blessed to have many volunteers at Shepherds of Good Hope. Our Volunteer Manager Sue Alcott and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Brazolot do a fantastic job of finding volunteers, matching them up with the proper services and scheduling them in for our various programs.
We have many seniors who volunteer and it isn't just because they're retired and have the time. That's part of it for some, of course. But seniors simply have more life experience. Those of us who are older know what it's like to fall on hard times now and again. Thankfully, for most of us, hard times didn't mean having to sleep in a shelter or eat in a soup kitchen. But we're smart enough to know that we could have easily been the person on the other side of the serving line in the soup kitchen.
According to research in the U.S., a couple of years ago, senior volunteering is at a 10-year high. And the percentage of volunteers who are seniors has been increasing over the last decade. One in three senior volunteers is over the age of 55. It makes sense. Our largest demographic, the boomers, are starting to enter their golden years.
When we talk to our volunteers, seniors of younger, there are always a few common answers. People simply want to give back. You hear that over and over and yet it's the easiest way to explain why people choose to volunteer. People recognize how fortunate they are and want to do something good in the world for those people who are not so fortunate.
Another common thread is that volunteering is rewarding, it can be fun, and you meet people who obviously share the same concerns, the same will to make a difference.
Every day when I walk into our main building, I see seniors doing their part. Without them, it would be a lot more difficult for us to deliver the services to Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women.
If you would like to know more about our volunteer opportunities, check out our volunteer page. Not only are current volunteer needs listed, but you'll also find some handy contact information.
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