{"id":477890,"date":"2021-04-19T08:03:51","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T12:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/the-pandemic-is-taking-a-toll-on-ontarians-happiness-but-volunteering-giving-back-could-help-new-research-shows\/"},"modified":"2021-04-19T08:03:51","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T12:03:51","slug":"the-pandemic-is-taking-a-toll-on-ontarians-happiness-but-volunteering-giving-back-could-help-new-research-shows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/the-pandemic-is-taking-a-toll-on-ontarians-happiness-but-volunteering-giving-back-could-help-new-research-shows\/","title":{"rendered":"The pandemic is taking a toll on Ontarians\u2019 happiness, but volunteering, giving back could help, new research shows"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nLaunching during National Volunteer Week, OREA\u2019s Real Heart initiative aims to help people feel inspired, get involved
\n<\/h2>\n
\n

TORONTO, April 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We could all use a boost of positivity these days, and, according to new research, you may be able to find it by volunteering and giving back to your community. The study commissioned by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) as part of the launch of its Real Heart<\/a> initiative, found that 63% of Ontarians report feeling generally less happy because of COVID-19. However, when asked about volunteering, a majority of Ontarians said volunteering makes them feel they are contributing to something important (70%), provides a feeling of purpose (55%), and a sense of community (54%). Volunteers also reported feeling happier (34%), forming new relationships (28%), and learning new skills (25%) as benefits of volunteering.<\/p>\n

Understandably, the COVID-19 pandemic has made volunteering in-person difficult:
74% of Ontarians said they volunteered prior to COVID-19. Since COVID-19, only 26% of Ontarians report that they have been volunteering. Nonetheless, the desire to volunteer is strong, with 37% of Ontarians reporting they want to know more about virtual volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy coming together and supporting causes they are passionate about, volunteers help to build happier, healthier and more resilient communities,\u201d said OREA President, David Oikle. \u201cI have seen the impact of volunteering first-hand in the work we do with the Ontario REALTORS Care\u00ae Foundation<\/a>, supporting hundreds of shelter-based charities across Ontario annually. But we can always do more. This is why we developed the Real Heart initiative. Sometimes, the best motivator for becoming a volunteer and doing something great, is seeing the possibilities through someone else\u2019s experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Launching during National Volunteer Week, the Real Heart initiative tells the stories of volunteers who have made a difference in their communities, in hopes of inspiring others to find a cause they are passionate about. The initiative is supported by Real Heart Ambassadors who are highly engaged and committed volunteers:<\/p>\n