With the holidays just around the corner, why not use that generous spirit of yours to give back to those who may need your support most? There are lots of ways to help others, which is why we've put a few of our seasonal One-Off volunteering opportunities below. Although they’re time-light, the impact you make is definitely huge!
You could help a charity raise vital funds by getting involved in bucket collections this festive period - this is the season of giving after all - and a few hours of your time could help make a massive difference to a charity, as you’ll be helping to raise not only funds, but also awareness of the charity itself. You could join several of our partners, including: The Silver Line, St Mark’s Hospital, Single Homelessness Project or Solving Kids’ Cancer.
Alternatively, why don’t you channel your inner-cheerleader by volunteering at fun-run events? Volunteers will cheer on runners and be part of a buzzing atmosphere! You could choose to volunteer at the Santa Run with Action on Hearing Loss or the London Santa Dash with Great Ormond Street Hospital. Whichever one you choose, they're both great chances to be part of a tight-knit community.
For those who can carry a tune, why not use your talents to volunteer as a carol singer with Target Ovarian Cancer - getting into the festivities with carol singing is a great way to end the year on a high note (pun definitely intended!).
If you’re still in London during the Winter break, how about volunteering with Kith & Kids? You’ll be supporting young people with autism, accompanying them to a wide variety of activities in London and making them have an unforgettable holiday! And if you're feeling a little nervous about heading to a One-Off event on your lonesome - look out for our One-Off Ambassadors logo on our events page, so you'll know there will be a friendly face to go along with.
And it’s not just One-Off events that we’re offering – we also have some amazing ongoing volunteering roles that really embody the essence of the holidays. Why not become a befriender and meet someone who would really appreciate your company? You could volunteer with Outward and get to know people with learning disabilities, or if you want to befriend older people at risk of loneliness this festive period, check out volunteering roles with Age UK Kensington and Chelsea.
If you're on the look-out for roles that help homeless people or those less well-off, try volunteering as a Soup Kitchen Volunteer with St John the Evangelist Church Soup Kitchen on Tuesday evenings, where your presence would be greatly appreciated!
The festive period is definitely a time of reflection, spending time with loved ones and being appreciative of the things you have, so what better time to start volunteering? Engaging in altruistic activities like the ones above is such a profound way to help others in need and (we think) really makes the holidays a lot more special. Volunteering is definitely the gift that keeps on giving!
Nobody wants to be a Grinch - have a look through all our One-Off opportunities and make a difference this holiday. And don’t forget – volunteering isn’t just for the festive season, so keep browsing opportunities on our directory.