Baleno

Since I arrived I feel I've been treated really well by all the Canadians I've met plus I've been really lucky in finding a house and work, Canada is treating me very well.

So now I feel like giving something back, I think I'm going to join the local volunteer fire service and save people from burning buildings and cats from trees.

My wife wants to volunteer for something too but doesn't fancy being a firelady.

Has anyone else done anything worthwhile?

Former Lancastrian

Apparently answering questions on this forum could be construed as worthwhile providing that the person asking the question wishes to believe your answer
I know its the Internet but why bother asking the question if you dont think the answer is somewhat right
Volunteering is always accepted as giving something back.

snowcandy

I volunteer at my kids' elementary school, there is always a ton of stuff that needs doing and the staff are really grateful.

My eldest daughter has also done loads of voluntary work, both as part of her High School diploma requirements and outside of school, eg local soup kitchen, kids' sports clubs, theatre camp,

It's easy to find something to do to help others and that also interests you if you just look. Check your local volunteer website, local paper or at your library for details of current "vacancies".

ExKiwilass

Food bank?

exenglishman

I'm in the process of joining St John Ambulance as a Medical first responder, lots of applications/background checks! Costs a fair chunk too. Going to be worth it though!

bgpz

Might be worth attending a Timeraiser event, if there's one in your area (and if not, perhaps offer to assist in getting one started up!)

We've been to a couple in Hamilton. Some great things going on in the area that are in need of volunteers, including many we'd never have been aware of otherwise... well worth checking out, if only to get a better feel of what's going on in your area.

ukcanuck

The Vol FD is a great way to give back and a great way to get involved with your community.
Once you are in I am sure that your wife will be busy with all the things the wives(sig others to be politically correct) of the Vol FD tend to do. Those depts are not the day job type depts and usually fold into your life and become a big part of it. From fund raising for new equipment to fire safety inspections to putting on dances in support of local charities.

I only wish I had one near me I could join.

I know loads of guys that stay involved long after they "retire"

Apart from that there is reserve policing as that tends to be more community based, Food Bank, Salvation Army, local search and rescue, ski patrol, aux coast guard, newcomers assistance centers, PTA, helping at the schools, coaching a sports team, look in the yellow pages under community groups and you should be able to find a club that catches your fancy and interests that needs somone to help for free.

Love that you are giving back - my wife is doing baking and cooking at the school with the kids.

Cheers

Former Lancastrian

Has she thought about opening up a cheese shop? Quite a few ex pats would probably appreciate that along with Bovril, chocolate bars, knickers, bedding, and cordial or squash drinks?

Denhamgirl

When we first arrived here, my OH and I volunteered with the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA but quickly found that there were SO many volunteers there, we really weren't needed. Now that we're both so much busier with work and studies, we decided that in an effort to still do something to help our community AND keep it local, we sponsor a family in need through the Good Shepherd every christmas. We no longer buy unneccesary tat for family members and use that money instead to buy things for people who really need them and also contribute towards a women and childrens summer camp.
This one might not seem particularly worthwhile, but because I love where I live in Hamilton, I try really hard to shop locally all the time and support the small businesses working really hard to survive around here; much more gratifying than shopping at the big-box behemoths.

el_richo

I owe Canada nothing

This afternoon, my worthwhile activity will be snowboarding up a mountain

Former Lancastrian

Dont most snowboard DOWN a mountain ?

iaink

Gravitational anomaly?

I give back by entertaining seniors with live music. To be honest only the heavily medicated are unable to get away, so some people may consider our playing to be more about entertaining ourselves, and I probably wouldnt argue...

Auld Yin

I doubt anyone on here is surprised by your attitude.

el_richo

It's much more worthwhile to snowboard up it.

el_richo

Other than the usual financial charges, what pray tell do i owe Canada for living here?