17 ways to help out in your community (and make a difference)

We are constantly looking for ways to make a difference in our communities and to improve the lives of those around us.

If you're looking for ways to make a positive impact, then look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss 17 different ways that you can help out in your community and make a real difference in people's lives.

#1 Try donating plasma

If you are looking for a way to help out in your community, consider donating plasma at Canadian Blood Services.

Plasma is the straw-coloured component of blood that makes up most of its volume. It is used for transfusions as well as to manufacture lifesaving medications in high demand.

Plasma helps patients with immune deficiencies, rare blood disorders, various cancers, severe burns and much more.

Check to see if there's a Canadian Blood Services plasma donor centre near you, and then book your appointment online or by downloading the GiveBlood app.

#2 Become a volunteer

There are many different organizations that could use your hands-on help.

At Canadian Blood Services, volunteers help out at donation events, help recruit new donors and more. Learn all about volunteering for Canada's Lifeline.

#3 Go to a Canadian Blood Services donor centre and donate blood

One of the most impactful things that you can do to help out in your community is to donate blood.

Blood donation is a selfless act that can literally save lives. Every day someone in Canada needs blood.

Find your nearest Canadian Blood Services blood donor centre or event and book an appointment online or by downloading the GiveBlood app.

#4 Become a mentor

Mentoring is a process where you provide support, guidance, and advice to someone who is less experienced than you.

#5 Try out tutoring

Another fantastic method to contribute to your neighbourhood is by tutoring.

Tutoring is a process where you provide educational assistance to someone who is struggling with a particular subject.

#6 Join a community garden

A community garden is a space where people in the community can come together to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Joining a community garden is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in your community.

#7 Support local businesses in your area

Another great way to help out in your community is to support local businesses.

When you support local businesses, you are helping to create jobs and boost the economy.

Whether it's getting a haircut at the local salon or buying a burger at a family-run diner, your community will surely appreciate the effort!

#8 Buy locally grown food

Buying locally grown food is another great way to help out in your community.

When you buy locally grown food, you are supporting local farmers and helping to boost the local economy.

#9 Recycle as much as you can

Recycling is a great way to help out in your community while also helping the environment.

Recycling isn't just putting stuff in your blue and grey bins. The items you put in the bins can be used to make new products, which helps save resources and limit pollution.

#10 Pick up litter on your street

Picking up litter helps to keep the community clean and safe.

Nobody likes to live in a community that is full of litter.

Picking up litter is a simple way that you can make a difference.

#11 Just say “Hi” to somebody

One really simple way that you can help out in your community is by saying hi to somebody new.

When you say hi to somebody new, you are making them feel welcome and a part of the community.

You can make their day while they’re walking down the street.

#12 Paint a community mural

Community murals help to beautify the community and make it a more enjoyable place to live.

Murals can also help to bring people together and build community pride.

#13 Consider joining the stem cell registry

Joining the stem cell registry is another great way to help out in your community.

The stem cell registry is a database of potential donors who are willing to donate their stem cells to people in need.

Learn more about Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry and how to sign up.

#14 Plant trees

One fantastic approach to contribute to your community is by planting trees.

Trees help to improve air quality, provide shade, and beautify the community.

Your community will love walking around your area in the future when it's full of beautiful greenery.

#15 Make a financial donation

If you're looking for a way to help out in your community, you can also make a financial donation to a good cause.

Financial donations to Canadian Blood Services help save and transform lives by strengthening national programs for blood, stem cells and organs and tissues, and fueling research and innovation.

You can even start your own fundraiser, or a “recruit and raise” campaign to fundraise and recruit potential stem cell donors at the same time.

#16 Register your intent to donate organs and tissues

You can also help out in your community by joining the organ and tissue registry in your province.

A registry is a database of potential donors who are willing to donate their organs and/or tissues to people in need after they have died.

Find links to all of Canada’s organ and tissue registries, or explore how to become a living kidney donor.

#17 Share this article with a friend

Lastly, one amazing thing you can do to brighten somebody's day is to share this list with them.

You’ll feel great sharing, and they’ll be inspired to make a difference, too.

Give back however you can

These are just a few of the many ways that you can help out in your community and make a difference in people's lives. Blood donation, plasma donation, joining the stem cell registry, registering to be an organ and tissue donor and volunteering are all great ways to give back to your community.

What are you waiting for? Go out and make a difference!

Do you have any other suggestions for ways to help out in your community?