Together for others, for ourselves, voluntarily
Together everything goes easier. Doing a task voluntarily takes you to heights, as you are doing it for others and also for yourself. The thought of it is a bit strange and interesting, but it embraces what volunteering means to me. Taking part in something that makes a project better, more beautiful and gallant, makes you feel good about it. The whole process means learning, it gives you a new perspective that drives you forward, makes you curious and – last, but not least – it gives you spiritual growth while you are volunteering.
In november, we organized a gala for our volunteers, which is a small gesture to thank them for all of their services and completed working hours thay gave us and many other needy people we met during practising our vocation. It is a gift, indeed. The most valuable actually, because it`s a huge thing to do something for others in between two urgent tasks, to be present, to be there for them in everyday hassle and holidays, too.
The gala takes place once a year and it’s an opportunity for volunteers to meet Caritas employees and fellow volunteers who work in other regions, but also for celebrating together. The event started in the afternoon, many shows took place which were performed by children and elderly, too. There is no gala which would be complete without raffle draw. It was very funny. During the raffle draw we laughed a lot and we felt full of adrenalin. The fun just began after the adrenalin bomb has exploded. We had some water and juice, we sat down to eat and all of a sudden, pleasant conversations took place around the table in between old and new faces. We barely finished our drinks, there was no place for inaction, because we had to line up in time in front of the photo machine and someone had to help the dj to set up his stuff, too. Eating, drinking, raffle draw, photos, good conversations – everyone was relaxed when the music started. We didn’t waste our time, we started to dance straight away. During the party there was a hearth-breaking moment for me. It might be, that I’m either old or uneducated, but I found myself smiling and stepping silently to the rhythm of the music with one of my colleagues, while everyone else was singing the lyrics. We stared at each other and laughed out loud saying: „in our time was different”.
After the party was over, organizers` time had come, and things must have been packed away. This was a lot of fun, too, since many people with good intentions gained together to help. It went fast, we said goodbye and noticed: there were people we would meet only next year.
It fills my heart with joy when I remember all those gifted moments we spent together with the volunteers. They might not know, but the spirit they carry, motivates me. That certain „glass” that they carry, shows us the world from a very different perspective. I’m thankful for all of the volunteers who helped us with their work and gifted us with their time, which was a real gift not only for us, but for children and elderly as well.
Thank you for working together voluntarily for others, for ourselves!
The event was supported by the Town Hall of Odorheiu Secuiesc and the Communitas Foundation. Thank you!
Article: Norbert Tókos, mentor of volunteers
Translation: Botond Péter, volunteer