Please, Volunteer!

As the days begin to shorten and Summer soon turns to Fall, CAP begins the process of planning for next year. Our Board and Committee members begin discussing how to best execute our mission of expanding outreach, offering wellness and educational opportunities, and promoting new scientific research.  It is our goal each year to continue to improve our services and offerings. Our plans for 2019 are shaping up to be rather ambitious. Hopefully, once executed, they will be impactful to our local community and the Parkinson’s community as a whole. CAP’s goals are achieved by a dedicated team of volunteer’s trying to help those with Parkinson’s and their families. As I start to reflect on the effort that will be needed to accomplish our plans, I began to contemplate on my time spent as Chairman of CAP and the other times in my life dedicated to helping others in a volunteer capacity.   I asked myself   - Why do people volunteer?

    For some, it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference in their loved one’s lives. Personally, my volunteering efforts have been the most worthwhile endeavors of my life and have had a profound impact on who I am today. Every time I have committed my time to a cause, I seem to get back as much as I have given. I have learned so much about myself, life, and the human spirit. It has made me see life a little differently. I know it has made me a better person. I’m sure I’m not alone in this reflection. Sometimes, the biggest beneficiaries are the givers themselves. Mahatma Gandhi wrote; “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  

   Over the course of my volunteer life, I have developed relationships that I know will last a lifetime. I have met some amazing people from all walks of life. From each one, I have learned something, and my life is richer for it. As you can see, there are many benefits to volunteering.  It’s one of the best ways to make an impact on the world. There is never a right time to volunteer. There will never be a better time than right now.  I encourage you to volunteer for CAP or another non-profit in your community.  

    CAP is trying to help our members live lives today while trying to find a cure for tomorrow. We are growing by leaps and bounds. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit. CAP is no exception. Please consider volunteering on one of our many committees. You do not need any special talents. Being you is enough. We will find a role that fits your schedule and talents.

I look forward to hearing from you.  

Warm Regards,

Karl C. Hespeler
Chairman 
860-490-0251
Karl@Parkinsonsct.org