Volunteer Organizations Seek Zoomer Candidates

By Charlotte Bumstead

Life as a Zoomer is all about getting involved, being in the moment, accepting change, and most of all, enjoying age for all the fortune it renders. When the opportunity arises to do something meaningful, to share wisdom and skills, to make a contribution to society or to support a cause you believe in, Zoomers do not wait for a second chance. Being aware and staying engaged means living here and now.

There are endless opportunities across Canada to help strengthen your community; whether it is teaching or nursing, storytelling or snow shovelling, biking or dancing. The website LinkingBoomers.com connects motivated individuals, ages 50-plus with rewarding volunteer opportunities to suit a person’s specific interests and time commitments. With more than 1,500 volunteer postings, there are infinite ways for boomers to stay connected, express their ingenuity, meet new people and have fun.

Businesses like MEOW Foundation—an organization aiming to provide a clean and healthy environment for rescued cats—post a description of specific events, along with the date, time and contact information for Boomers who are looking to participate. MEOW is based within Calgary and looking for team members to fill one morning shift a week. Volunteers are looking to demonstrate their love for cats.

Another opportunity is that of a Volunteer Driver—helping patients get to and from cancer treatment appointments. Those interested are encouraged to attend information session dates hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society.

If you are living in or around Winnipeg and looking to get into the holiday spirit while giving back to your community, you can join the Volunteer Gift Wrapping team at St. Vital Mall.

LinkingBoomers.com attracts two types of visitors. Those looking to post volunteer opportunities and those searching to participate. Posting is free as long as you are a member, and volunteering is made easy with an email address and the simple click of a button.

The site also keeps individuals connected with weekly event listings specific to your city. Event categories include music & theatre, courses & workshops, social activities, sports & recreation and community concerns. For those planning to travel within Canada, check out LinkingBoomers.com for events coinciding with your visit.

No need to let the cold weather stop you, Torontonians. Take advantage of event listings for this month, like the Mariposa Holiday Dinner Cruise. You can travel across the Toronto waterfront in a giant vessel, while you enjoy a dinner buffet and views of the city’s remarkable winter landscape.

If you missed this year’s International Festival of Authors, then be sure to catch “Toronto’s best book club,” meeting at the Toronto Harbourfront Centre the third Tuesday of each month until May 2011. You can share fascinating topics with fellow book lovers and discover a new world of reading.

Through LinkingBoomers.com, your volunteering desires can be fulfilled with ease. It is an opportunity for Zoomers to share their inspiring outlook on life with those who may need an alternative view. It is offering wisdom to those eager to learn. It is getting active, being social and getting involved in positive change. Discover your potential and help your community too.