I met Peter for the first time this week. He volunteers at a hospital that specialises in cancer treatment.

He was telling me about his work and assuring me that everyone had something to offer when it came to volunteering.

I asked what he offered, and he replied, “It’s more about what I’ve been given. That hospital saved my life.” “Ohhh,” I said. “You had cancer? Were you treated here?”

“I didn’t have cancer,” Peter replied.

“My daughter did. And they couldn’t save her.”

I was temporarily at a loss – then Peter continued. “I would have sunk in the darkness after that, if there hadn’t been a chance to help others going through the same experiences.”

There are many ways to volunteer and, it seems, different ways to save a life.

It only takes a minute, To smile and say hello, You’ll surely brighten someone’s day,

No matter where you go.

So we should really stop and think, Of those who might be sad, For that little act of kindness, Will surely make them glad.