“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Nothing to do with my day-to-day job, but last weekend our local Taekwon-do team organized the Open Dutch. With over 600 competitors, close to 100 referees, over 100 coaches and over 400 visitors it is needless to say it was a huge effort. I was part of the team who organized the event, with master Willy vd Mortel as the tournament director.

It is funny though how you always take these things for granted. My kids (mostly my son) has competed in various competitions/tournaments now and you register and show up and go home. Not really thinking about all the work that is done behind the scenes. The months before, the evening before (setting up the fields, fences, signs etc) and after the event (someone will need to tear it down). But of course this doesn't just apply to a sports event, there are many places/events/organizations where help is needed.

Of course we had the help of dozens of volunteers, without them it is not possible. I started volunteering a couple years ago, first just as the event photographer, but now was part of the event team (and still taking pictures of course.) Every year I learn a lot during this event, and especially in the weeks/months before the event as this is when most of the work takes place. What needs to be finalized, by when and by whom. And of course there's the people you meet, the conversations and the fun.

So why am I posting this? Well I know that many people following me, or linked to me, will have a local sports team, non-profits or any other organization looking for volunteers who can use your help. Maybe your kid's team organizes an event on a regular basis, or a local non-profit needs help with specific tasks each week, or ... Believe me when I say that all help is greatly appreciated. Whether that is before, during or after the event. Without the help of volunteers these events, which sometimes seem to magically begin and end, would not be possible. Without the help of volunteers, many non-profits and community services organizations would not exist.

So look around, and see where you can give back!