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Inspiring children to become life-long givers
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” – Ben Carson
Donating your time to support those around you is highly beneficial to both your community and you! People who volunteer regularly are physically and mentally healthier, live longer, and have better psychological well-being. Giving back also connects you closer with your community and allows you to meet new like-minded people. Not only will you improve your communication abilities by working alongside a diverse team of people, but you will also gain many other experiences that will help you navigate your future. Volunteering may even help you discover a new passion or interest.
Incorporating philanthropy in your life at an early age will increase the likelihood of becoming a lifelong ‘Giver’.
Most kids do not experience the joy of giving for many reasons. Many do not find the opportunity to give back to their communities, because they are busy with school, friends and extracurricular activities. Some kids will “put the time in” by volunteering with a charity because they are required to accrue a certain amount of service hours in order to graduate high school. While committing to service hours to fulfill an obligation can elicit a positive experience and ultimately help them pursue giving in the future, it does not necessarily mean they will develop a passion for giving.
To truly develop a passion for giving, kids should have a meaningful connection to the cause.
Finding an organization that speaks to their own interests is a great way to inspire future service and create habits of giving that will follow them through their life and career.
Ludus Pursuit out of San Diego, CA is one such organization that empowers kids to lead donations that support causes that are relevant to them individually. Founded by Gavin Mestler, a high school student, Ludus Pursuit’s mission is to create opportunities for at-risk youth to participate and compete in their favorite sports without being limited by their financial circumstances. Gavin recruits his peers as “Ambassadors.” Being an Ambassador allows kids to lead their own service project with the support of the organization. They are given the opportunity to tailor the donation to a sport that they are genuinely interested in. For example, if they are a soccer player, they can donate soccer equipment to kids in high-need communities. Ludus Pursuit helps the Ambassador with fundraising and connects them with brands that are willing to donate or offer discounts on equipment. The Ambassador has his/her own presence on the Ludus Pursuit website to showcase their projects and inspire others to get involved.
About Ludus Pursuit
Ludus Pursuit is a 501(c)3 non-profit that identifies kids who lack the resources to play sports and provides them with sports equipment and funds for registration, clinics, teams, clubs, and coaching. Ludus Pursuit also recruits, inspires and enables kids as ambassadors to engage in giving and mentorship while learning the importance and value of philanthropy in their lives.
