My time volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was an amazing experience that I would encourage all people to take part in. You are probably familiar with their annual Labor Day telethon, and they also sponsor Bike-A-Thons, Muscle Walks, and other fundraising activities. Money raised goes to research but also funds things for children challenged by MD.My daughter has been working with the organization for a long time; she first started working with the MDA in high school and loves working at the MDA Summer Camp. I’d been looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and she convinced me to get involved with the camp. It’s been a part of her life for the past 11 years, so I decided to sign up.“Live unlimited” is a motto of the MDA, which is exactly the opportunity the camp provides for the children attending. While at camp, the children have the chance to live unlimited and without boundaries, in an environment that cultivates and allows them to achieve their dreams. When they are at the Summer camp, the kids are not labeled disabled, seen as only being in a wheelchair, or defined by MD. They are treated as normal human beings and they participate in the kinds of activities that all children enjoy. My duties for the week included welcoming and checking in the children, helping with outdoor games and arts and crafts, and plenty of cleaning! One highlight for me was tie-dye day. The kids really enjoyed choosing the colors for their shirt and their enthusiasm was infectious!
It was so much fun being around these young children; they are so full of life and thrive even in the face of great challenges. The kids were always eager to tackle each day and live their life to the fullest, and were some of the strongest, kindest and smartest children I had ever met. My time at the MDA Summer camp was such a fulfilling experience. I loved that I was able to help provide one week of fun for the children and a much needed break for their families. It was a true gift and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a helping hand to those in need.
I would encourage everybody to consider volunteering for a good cause like this at the MDA!
ATR has a Volunteer-Time-Off (VTO) program which allows each internal employee40 hours or 5 days off to volunteer an a charitable organization of their choice each year. “ATR’s VTO Program is in place so that our employees can give back in just this manner,” said CMO Andrea Brenholz. “The opportunity ATR provides is the easy part. It’s our employees that put in the work that makes a difference in our communities.”