Column: Paugh On Volunteerism, Holidays & More

[Opinion column written by Dr Nicola Paugh]

Recently I gave myself a much-needed gift: a few days away from my daily responsibilities to slow down, rest, and reflect. Stepping back from the busyness of life created space for me to reconnect with the things that matters most to me. As I sat with my thoughts, one theme kept resurfacing—gratitude, and the recognition of how the nature of my work continually reminds me of all that I have to be thankful for.

As Executive Director of the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda, part of my job is to advocate for the nonprofit sector—to champion its value, highlight its needs, and speak loudly about the challenges organisations and the community face. In doing so, I am constantly reminded of the struggles of others: young people navigating hardship, seniors living in isolation, families stretched thin, individuals managing health or financial crises, and people who have simply been failed by systems. Not a week goes by that I don’t realise how fortunate I am. What I don’t always think about, but had the chance to reflect on, was how much this constant reminder shapes my own wellbeing.

In a recent conversation with nonprofit leaders, we spoke about the third sector as a unique space for social connection. In a world increasingly shaped by social media feeds—curated lives, highlight reels, and the relentless pursuit of more—the nonprofit sector offers something fundamentally different. It offers a place to contribute, connect, and serve. And while we often talk about volunteerism in terms of its value to nonprofits and the people they serve, it can also be wonderfully enriching for the volunteer.

So, as we enter the holiday season, here are a few reflections on why you should consider giving some of your time to volunteer:

It’s a grounding anchor in a material world.

The holidays often become about buying, consuming, and rushing around to do it all [I’m still guilty of this myself…]. Volunteering invites us into a different rhythm—one of presence, listening, and giving, with little expectation of return. In that shift, we can discover the joy that comes from shared purpose and service.

It helps shift the comparison narrative.

Our lives are frequently caught in the “look at me / look at them” cycle of social media, and yet rarely does the doom-scrolling spark joy. In contrast, when we show up for others, we are confronted not with our perceived inadequacies but with our own abundance. That perspective is grounding, humbling, and uplifting.

Volunteerism is social connection at its best.

In our busy, indivisualised lives, nonprofits offer spaces where we can belong and contribute together. Whether helping at a food kitchen, mentoring or tutoring a young person, supporting a community event, or helping behind the scenes, these moments provide opportunity for meaningful connection with others— a social connection that shopping, scrolling, or mass socialising simply cannot replicate.

Service helps children grow — and families grow closer.

For those raising children, like me, you’ve likely found yourself encouraging them to show empathy, be compassionate, and treat others with kindness. Volunteering together offers a powerful way to practice those values rather than just talk about them. It allows children to experience empathy and compassion firsthand, while giving families meaningful time to connect. For parents, showing up alongside your children creates intentional, device-free moments rooted in shared purpose. It creates space for intentional conversation. These experiences help young people develop not only a sense of responsibility to their community, but also a deeper appreciation for the abundance in their own lives. This is an area I would like to work on with my kids.

It strengthens nonprofits and strengthens Bermuda.

Every hour of volunteer time supports organisations, stretches their limited resources, and expands reach. This in turn helps to deepen impact. Here in Bermuda, volunteers play an essential role in helping nonprofits fill gaps, support the community, and build a better Bermuda. This is the main reason to give your time—and it truly matters.

Research also supports what many volunteers already know: giving time is good for you. Studies consistently show that volunteering is associated with improved mental health, lower stress, increased life satisfaction, and even greater longevity. When we give our time, we receive more than we expect.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our nonprofits offer places of meaning, connection, and service in a world that feels dominated by superficial relationships, comparison culture, and excessive materialism. So here is a call to action this holiday season: imagine taking even half the time you spend scrolling social media and using it instead to volunteer with one of Bermuda’s incredible nonprofits. Even better—volunteer with a friend or family member and share the experience. You’ll walk into your volunteering wanting to help. You’ll walk out feeling enriched, more connected, and deeply grateful.

Here are some suggestions for holiday volunteering:

1. Tag for Open Airways on December 12 [email mary@openairways.com or for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettles between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve [call 292 0601]
2. Support Gina Spence Productions’ Annual Christmas Gift of Giving Initiative between December 10–12. Call 296-0016
3. Join KBB’s Community Clean Up on December 7. Visit https://www.kbb.bm
4. Assist with the National Trust’s December 5th walkabout in St George’s. Call 236-6483
5. Help at the Christ Church Kitchen Saturday mornings for their community breakfast or help later in the month for their annual kitchen clean out. Email david100163@gmail.com
6. Try something new and scrub some turtles on December 27th with the Bermuda Zoological Society, email volunteer@bzs.bm. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate.

Are the holidays just too busy? Check out these additional organisations for year-round volunteer opportunities: Amber’s Wings, Bermuda Diabetes Association, BUEI, Duke of Edinburgh Award, End to End, Family Centre, Meals on Wheels, Mirrors Programme, Raleigh International, Solstice, and St. Georges Foundation.

If this season allows, consider how you can be of service to your community. And don’t forget to make a donation to your favourite nonprofit next week on Giving Tuesday.

- Nicola Paugh, PhD, Executive Director, Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda

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