It’s given to very few of us to change the world. Nelson Mandela did it when he fought the scourge of apartheid. Most of us aren’t brave enough or determined enough or indeed far seeing enough to make such a sweeping change at immense cost to ourselves. We can, though, change our own little corner of the world by making it a happier place. Volunteering is one way of doing this and there are countless causes that need our involvement and our time. You might, for instance, learn to play the guitar and give hours of pleasure to hospital patients or at an old folks’ party. You could fundraise for a good cause or indeed send a donation to a charity. You might campaign for more jobs in your area or for more help for the disabled. You could visit the lonely or become a scientist who finds cures for diseases. Volunteers run marathons, climb mountains and cut off their beards in aid of good causes. They give out leaflets and knock on doors in aid of political candidates. They help train children in sports clubs and feed the starving in the third world. So whatever you choose to do you can change someone’s world simply by volunteering.

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