Opportunities to volunteer 😊

[erash]

While it makes me sad that I can no longer work in my career, it's given me the opportunity to do some really great volunteer work. I spent this afternoon feeding raptors --birds of prey. At 1 point I was a foot away from an osprey. I helped coral a vulture back into her cage--we coaxed her with her dinner. A tiny screech owl rotated her head back and forth watching me mop the service center floor and the event that capped it off was feeding the Eagles. I was in their flight cage as 4 of them swooped back and forth waiting for me to leave them their rats, mice and chicks. I'm only committed to every other Sunday but I'm going back next week too 😊😊😊

[Iona60]

What an amazing opportunity. What was the name of the place that you were working with? I've wanted to get a thread going about different volunteer opportunites that we all could do. Everyone still wants to make a difference.

[GasLight in reply to Iona60]

Great idea, Iona60

[erash in reply to Iona60]

Iona60

The Birds of Prey Center Audubon Society Maitland Fl

I also volunteer at a senior day care, NMSS and I'm going to an orientation at a shop that sells crafts from 3rd world countries at the end of the month. I'm hoping to do education about the crafts there for customers.

[Morllyn]

Wow, I am envious!😮😀

[Raingrrl]

Sounds awesome erash ! I'm hoping to find some volunteer opportunities too. I'm waiting until I've moved to a more permanent place because I want to look for the opportunities nearby.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Wonderful cause! We never give up! You go girl!

[jimeka]

Erash,i like your attitude, like CalfeeChick says, Go Girl. What an amazing opportunity. Enjoy, blessings Jimeka

[karenmbloom]

I volunteer at a nursing home visiting with residents that don't get visitors. I also lead a craft a ft once a month. I also do administrative work for a not for profit. Plus I just formed a ms self help group in my community. I had to give up my career and find volunteer opportunities possible in a wheelchair.

[erash in reply to karenmbloom]

Yay! karenmbloom

I know the nursing home residents appreciate your vistsv

[Fancy1959]

erash, it's Fancy1959. I would expect nothing less from because I know firsthand what a wonderful individual you are. It's people like you that make this world go round. You makes me very proud to be counted amongst your friends. Please keep us posted because you never know who you might inspire to follow in your foot steps. 😊

[erash in reply to Fancy1959]

Fancy1959 ah shucks...thank you

I know I am truly so fortunate that I can do this!

[agapepilgrim]

@ erash wow just wow! what a blessing! what a movtivation to get out of bed. thtat must be such a rewarding experiencing. thak you for shsing!

[johnMSAA Partner]

An inspiring and fun story, erash ! Volunteering, wherever and however, can be such a rewarding experience - whether you're helping out a charity like MSAA at a Swim for MS or educational event...or feeding endangered birds!

Actually, I was a volunteer at both MSAA's national headquarters and a local food bank before I started working for MSAA, my first-ever experiences in the nonprofit sector at the time. Cut to years later, working for a charity I used to volunteer for (and still helping at a local food bank when I can) really helps me put things in perspective.

- John, MSAA

[erash in reply to johnMSAA]

Thank you johnMSAA

and thank you for sharing your story!

[greaterexp]

I volunteered for years at our church's food and clothing pantry and was blessed far more than anything I did or gave. That was before MS. But now I get to volunteer at a little rural school with the reading program. Kindergartners are such a hoot! I so miss reading to my kids and grandkids, so this feeds that part of me. Again, I am blessed far more than anything I give there. What a wonderful paradox!

[SueAB]

erash, what a good topic! Thank you for sharing that there is still a life after an MS Dx - but it is different than we had planned. I was a facilitator for my MS group for several years. I am currently on the Lifestyle Committee for our HOA where we just stuffed 600 Valentine bags to hand out on Valentine's Day morning to commuters and had a Valentine cookie decorating project for kiddos and donated them to our Fire and Police Stations. We are also holding a wine tasting this Saturday. I volunteer for our local Police Department and also for their YANA (You Are Not Alone) program. We call seniors or shut ins to make sure all is O.K. and visit every so often. The great thing about volunteering is that I can set my own time and hours. I have been told that "Volunteers do not get paid because they are invaluable". DEGU - Don't Ever Give Up! We can still be a valuable asset to society!