Statistically speaking, at this point, around 25% of New Year’s resolutions will have failed. However, if you are reading this blog, I have faith that you have more willpower than that. Now, since all of you are awesome, I know that you will have made some resolutions pertaining to making the world a better place. What am I here to do, then? I am just sharing some organisations that know how to make our city a better place! Who knows, maybe one day you could be a shining example on your own, too.
Youth Central:
Let’s face it, if you are reading this blog, you probably already know what Youth Central is. One of the largest youth volunteer organisations in the city, Youth Central is dedicated to promoting volunteerism in youth across multiple platforms. Care about the environment? Take part in a bunch of awesome green initiatives through the Youth Earth Ambassadors. Are you the politics type? Collaborate with the Mayor and make a tangible difference on the Mayor’s Youth Council. Have a passion for writing? Join me on Youth Are Awesome (Seriously, do it.). Want a mix of everything? The Youth Volunteer Corps has a myriad of opportunities for you! There is so much more, too, so if you have a volunteerism related resolution, Youth Central is the place to be!
Junior Achievement:
Since you guys have all the time in the world on your hands, why not gain some money skills for the future while you’re at it? Trust me, it will help. Unless, of course, you like being broke. Maybe it’s just me that likes having a bit of spare cash? No? OK, awesome, in that case, Junior Achievement says hello. Junior Achievement offers a TON of learning programs and opportunities to understand various money matters, targeted at anyone, ranging in age from elementary school, all the way up to adulthood. Want something a bit more engaging? The Company Program lets you, well, start your own company. 16 weeks, create an idea, create a business, create MAGIC. Sorry, that was the entrepreneur coming out of me. Seriously though, try out the Company Program, it was a truly awesome experience.
Kids Up Front:
For those of you that don’t know me personally (so pretty much all of you =( ), I am a massive Calgary Flames fan. How did this come to be, you ask? Well, a couple of years after I moved to Calgary, I got my first exposure to the Flames at a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Flames earned two points in a 7-2 win over the ‘Canes, and gained a lifelong fan named, well, me! To this day, almost 12 years later, I remember the experience vividly. Kids Up Front strives to provide that same experience for kids that may not be as fortunate as I was, and frankly, they do an awesome job of it. In the past 13 years, Kids Up Front has provided over 280 000 tickets valued at $9 million to kids and families who truly could use the break. Keep them in mind, if you ever realise you can’t make it to an event, instead of scrambling to sell your tickets, donate them to Kids Up Front, and make some kid’s day.
On a side note, big shout out to Kids Up Front from myself and the rest of YAA. The organisation has a habit of dropping us some premium tickets as well, and it is mucho apreciado. I got a chance to go to a Hitmen game recently, courtesy of Kids Up Front, and it was a blast.
You know what the best part is? I’ve listed off three organisations with several branches, but there are countless more that you can look into as well. Calgary is huge on volunteerism and personal growth, so be sure to check some out. Something I’ve always believed is if you make the world a happier place, the world will make you a happier person, and the more happiness there is, the better. =)