Family volunteering

By Kristin Jenkins for the Canadian Health Network

(NC)—Are you concerned that your children may not be getting the message that life is about give as well as take? When it comes to teaching this life lesson, there's nothing better than rolling up your own sleeves and getting everyone involved in volunteering as a family. Not only will you get more quality time with your kids, but you can also teach by example and show them that caring and sharing with others is an important family value, and a key element of a healthy and supportive community.

To get the ball rolling, call some local volunteer agencies and find out what kind of help they need. Then, sit down with your family and find out just what inspires your brood most. You may even decide to get some friends involved!

Here are seven quick and easy ways to plug into causes that will give your family a chance to make a difference:
1. stock food at a local food bank
2. deliver meals to those who are unable to cook at home
3. design a Web site for a local non-profit organization
4. help out an older neighbour by offering to mow the lawn, shop for groceries, run errands, etc.
5. read stories at a children's hospital or a seniors' home
6. organize a park cleanup day in your neighbourhood
7. help hand out water or snacks at a local fundraising walk/bike/skip-a-thon

For more information on how to stay healthy, and prevent disease and injury, visit www.canadian-health-network.ca, a collaboration of the Public Health Agency of Canada and major health organizations across Canada.

- News Canada