Imagine if you did something bigger.
Giving has no strict definition. There are options to give time, give money, and give advice. The only thing that is defined with giving? That every single type has a positive ripple effect in your community.
Why Should I Give?
Not only do these acts of kindness supply a great impact to those around you, but they also have a roundabout way of putting that positivity back unto you.In fact, according to a Harvard study done by Michael Norton, people who spent money on others reported back with more happiness in their lives than those who spent more money on themselves. Best part of all? That statistic stays true regardless of income levels. In other words, buying someone in need a new winter jacket will make you feel better than if you were to buy yourself a new winter jacket (is this the most Canadian blog post ever, or what?).Often here on Mixed Up Money, I talk about how to make money work for you, to create wealth, and how to manage your finances, but what I forget to mention is that the best form of wealth is contributing time or money back into something that your community once gave to you.
What Are Others Doing?
As you know, Canada is turning the big 1-5-0 this year, and in celebration, our country is doing some pretty amazing things (like the ability to go to any National Park fo’ free). However, one of the things I’m proudest to share is one that is close to my heart. My bank (that I’ve been with for 15 years now), RBC, is running their #Make150Count campaign. Within the campaign, RBC selected and provided 1000 youth in the community with $150 to give back to their communities no strings attached. Yeah, you heard me right. No. Strings. Attached. Some donated pet supplies to their local SPCA, some donated school supplies to Syrian refugee children, some even BUILT A ROBOT TO CLEAN UP GARBAGE. Like, hello! That is amazing! RBC wants this campaign to ignite a national movement of young people doing acts of good that will inspire others, and I think we can help.If you want to be part of this national movement, tell them how you will Make 150 Count through Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Make150Count.But seriously, you should do it.
There is Always an Option.
Giving back to those in need is sometimes the one thing that can turn your awful year, month, week, or day into something so much more encouraging. Feel like you can’t afford to give money? Give time. Feel like you can’t afford to give time? Give money. Feel like you can’t afford to give time or money? Spread the word. Awareness for special ways that we can give back to our communities is just as important as anything else. Plus, you’re going to feel like a million bucks afterward. It’s science.Of my favorite memories growing up, the ones that struck a chord with me are all of my sports coaches who spent hours upon hours in the gym teaching me not only skills on the field, but skills in my personal life (all done as volunteers). Without community sports I would be completely lost today. How would I make #Make150Count? Easy. I would run a free weekend of soccer camp for children in my community.
A longer version of this post originally appeared on Mixed Up Money.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
