Colin Bodil and Jennifer Murray of Polar First drop by SOS BC, their beneficiary charity.

We live in such a busy world, running from here to there, trying to juggle so many responsibilities. We are all trying to live life to its fullest, packing in as much as we can in a day and yet we are told over and over by the “experts” that we need to take time for ourselves so that we can be healthy and happy human beings.

Well, did you know that volunteering is good for you and will help you on the path of being a happier and healthier person? An Ontario study on the health benefits of volunteering reveals that it “not only improves self-esteem and combats social isolation, but also reduces the impact of stress on the body, lowering blood pressure and even bolstering the immune system” and YES it is also a benefit to the community and makes the world a better place.

According to Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson, the health benefits of doing good things for others are similar to those experienced by anyone who practices yoga, spirituality and meditation, namely a slowing down of heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. The key may lie in the sense of calmness that comes from helping others, also known as the "helper's high."

So would you like to feel the “helpers high” while making a difference in the lives of foster children and foster parents in British Columbia? Many volunteers are surprised at how much fun it can be to help others. Not every volunteer experience is the same, but by finding an opportunity that matches your interests, you have a good chance of having fun while giving time. Sharing your skills, enthusiasm and talent can really make a difference!

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