Why Volunteering Matters More Than Ever

There are many ways to measure a life — career titles, income, achievements.

But one of the clearest measures is this:

Who is better off because you showed up?

Volunteering is not about being extraordinary. It’s about being available. It’s about stepping forward when no one is watching and saying, “I’ll help.”

For me, that shows up in two ways — as a Scout leader and through participating in the Soldier On March On fundraiser for veterans. This is my second year taking part in the March On challenge, raising funds to support veterans and help prevent veteran suicide.

And each year, it reminds me why volunteering matters.

Volunteering Builds Community — And Community Saves Lives

When you volunteer, you become part of something bigger than yourself.

As a Scout leader, I see this every week. Young people learn knots, fire lighting, navigation — but beneath those skills, something more powerful is happening. They’re learning responsibility. They’re learning confidence. They’re learning that adults can be steady, present, and invested in their growth.

That sense of belonging shapes them.

The same principle applies to veterans.

Transitioning out of service can be isolating. Identity shifts. Purpose can feel uncertain. The tribe changes. Programs like Soldier On provide support, connection, and practical assistance to veterans navigating that transition — and fundraising initiatives like March On help keep those supports available.

Isolation is dangerous. Community is protective.

Volunteering strengthens the web that holds people up when they stumble.

It’s Not About You — But It Changes You

Here’s the paradox.

You volunteer to give — but you receive more than you expect.

As a Scout leader, I’ve learned patience, adaptability, and humility. Teenagers will test your plans. Weather will ignore your schedule. Equipment will fail at the worst moment. You learn to stay calm, improvise, and lead by example.

Participating in the March On challenge adds another layer. Committing to walk 96km in March is physical — but it’s also symbolic. It’s a reminder that support requires effort. That meaningful change rarely happens from the couch.

Each step becomes intentional. Each kilometre represents someone who might need support.

Volunteering reshapes your perspective. It reminds you that service doesn’t end when a uniform comes off. It simply changes form.

Prevention Is Quiet Work

When we talk about veteran suicide prevention, we often focus on crisis moments.

But prevention usually happens quietly.

It happens in:

• Early support

• Peer connection

• Employment assistance

• Mental health services

• A simple message that says, “You’re not alone.”

Fundraising doesn’t always feel dramatic. But without funding, those services shrink. Without volunteers, awareness fades.

Showing up matters.

The Ripple Effect

One of the things I’ve learned through both Scouts and veteran support work is that influence travels in ripples.

A young Scout who learns resilience today may become the calm adult who supports someone in crisis tomorrow.

A veteran who receives support through Soldier On may go on to mentor others.

Volunteering creates second-order effects we rarely see.

You may never meet the person whose life was made easier because you walked, led, organised, or donated. But the impact is real.

Why It Matters Now

We live in a time where it’s easy to comment, react, and move on.

Volunteering is different.

It costs time.

It requires effort.

It asks for consistency.

And that’s exactly why it matters.

Being a Scout leader anchors me in the future — investing in young people.

Participating in March On anchors me in loyalty — remembering those who served and continuing to stand beside them.

Both remind me that strength isn’t just about endurance. It’s about contribution.

A Simple Question

If you’re reading this, consider this:

Where could you give one hour a week?

What cause pulls at you?

Who could benefit from your steady presence?

You don’t need to change the world.

You just need to show up.

And sometimes, showing up is enough to save one.