Have you been sitting at home flipping through your TV channels and watching the countless reality shows because you have nothing to do or are reluctant to spend money in our worsening economy?
These days, everything costs money. Going to the movies, going out to bars and clubs, a game of bowling, shopping, traveling, gas — the list goes on and on. ‘Fun’ activities seem to burn a big hole in your ever-shrinking money supply. And people are finding themselves with less and less of the green stuff to replenish their hungry wallets. So, what is one to do during such a downtime when the U.S. economy is at a record low and unemployment rates are reaching the double digits? Why not try volunteering? It will surely delay an addition to your debt. It’s time to get off the couch because there might be a solution to your boredom.
Volunteering is one of the easiest things to do during such times and it’s even easier to find an organization that will gladly accept your help. Simply Googling ‘volunteering’ brings up numerous choices including local and national organizations and locations. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or looking for a quick and healthy weekend getaway, why not sign up for the 30th Annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge? The annual bike ride first began in 1980 with just 36 participants, including founder Billy Starr, and has since grown to host more than 5,000 riders. The organization has also grown a lot when it comes to raising money for cancer. In 1980, the 36 participants raised $10,200 for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund, while last year, the PMC raised a record $35 million and donated 100 percent of the money to the cause. Talk about a role model for fundraising. The PMC puts its heart and soul into the annual bike-athon, and if you are interested in participating, so should you.
Adapting to the struggling economy, the PMC has lowered its goal this year to $30 million but still hopes to raise as much money as possible for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If you would like to be a rider and raise money while participating in a healthy fitness competition during one of the weekend routes in Massachusetts or simply devote your time to volunteer and help create a fun environment while ensuring everything runs smoothly, the PMC has extended its registration until July 15.
If you’re not from the area and cannot find the time (or money) to go to Massachusetts but would still like to contribute to this meaningful cause, you can also sponsor a rider or a group of riders and donate money online. Any amount is helpful and greatly appreciated. For more information please visit the organization’s website.
By Silvia Milanova of Tonic.com. Silvia Milanova is from Bound Brook, NJ and attends Syracuse University where she will graduate in 2010. She joins us this summer as an intern in Tonic’s Positively Good Writer’s Program.
Comments are closed.