On December 5, 2022, International Volunteers Day will be celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world, including the United States. Taking place annually on December 5th, it’s a great opportunity to recognize the people who selflessly give their time and energy for others, whether it’s at home or abroad, to help people in need.
Each year the United Nations picks a theme to focus on aspects of volunteerism, and for 2022 the theme is “solidarity through volunteering,” highlighting the power of “collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism.” The United Nations has provided this world map featuring the details of select events being organized around the world for #IVD2022.
Volunteers from across the globe come together to support local charities, organizations, and community groups. Hospice care volunteers are often invited to join local celebrations of this holiday, so if you’re interested in volunteering in hospice, check out our hospice volunteering opportunities here.
Brief History of International Volunteers Day
The history of International Volunteer Day can be traced back to December 1985 when the United Nations General Assembly declared this day an international holiday as a way to encourage people to volunteer their time and skills for humanitarian causes. This called upon governments “to heighten awareness of the important contribution of volunteer service, both at home and abroad.”
Since then, it has become an increasingly popular day to acknowledge and encourage volunteers around the world.
Why Volunteer With Hospice?
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. It allows you to meet new people, learn new skills, and build relationships, while supporting local families and businesses.
Volunteering with hospice care allows you to give back while also gaining new experiences that will benefit you later in life. Hospice care brings together volunteers from all walks of life who want to make a difference in someone else’s life while helping hospice provide compassionate care for those who are terminally ill or facing end-of-life situations.
Many people shy away from volunteering with hospice care because they don’t want their time wasted or feel their efforts won’t make any difference for these patients. However, there are many ways in which you can contribute to patient well-being, even if you do not have any medical experience or skills that would help them directly.
Volunteering for hospice care is essential for many reasons:
- Hospice care is often available only through volunteer efforts because most hospices do not have enough funding from government agencies or insurance companies
- Hospice patients typically have little family support
- Hospice allows patients and caregivers alike to experience dignity and respect at a time when these things are often missing from daily life
- Hospices provide respite care for caregivers who would otherwise be unable to take time off work
Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community and make a difference. You can help those less fortunate by donating your time or money or simply providing a listening ear. For example, hospice volunteers can assist with providing transportation services, running errands for patients and their families, or helping with paperwork. There are many ways to get involved, so check out our website for more information on how you can volunteer all year long.
Hospice care is an excellent place for volunteers because it offers many opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and help others simply looking for someone who cares about them. One thing that makes hospice care unique is its focus on the quality of life over the quantity of time—which means that your time spent volunteering with hospice can genuinely make a difference in someone’s life.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our hospice volunteer opportunities.