by Maja Rehou

From mentoring, joining a board, organizing a charitable event, or helping out at their kid's school; volunteering is something we do because as women it fulfills us and makes us feel connected. I know for myself, I'm not satisfied unless I'm giving my time and talents to one worthy cause or another.

I have volunteered in various capacities for over 18 years and most recently had to sadly relinquish my role as treasurer for Creating Together Parkdale Family Resource Centre, a non-profit organization that supports the healthy social cognitive, emotional, and physical development of children birth to 6 years and their families. As a proud member of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org), I'm now looking for a venue to share my knowledge of the plight of factory farmed animals and animals cruelly subjected to animal testing.

There is a long list of needy organizations out there looking for assistance. So whether you are passionate about helping the homeless, children's issues, animal welfare, women subjected to abuse, or whether it's here or abroad; I'm sure there is a right fit for you. As Winston S. Churchill proclaimed "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Maja Rehou, Editor

Send all news, articles or ideas for stories to ACCLAIM Editor, mrehou@wordforce.ca.