CREDIT: ISTOCK (SCYTHER5)
Getting involved in London can be a way to try new things, learn new skills, and meet people outside the walls of school.

Getting involved in the London community isn’t just about giving. It can be a way to try new things, learn new skills, and meet people outside the school walls. It can also be a great way to give your resume a boost, or to simply make you feel good. Helping others and being involved can in turn benefit you as well. Here are five simple ways to get more involved in the London community this semester:

1. Volunteer

Volunteering in the community is a free and fulfilling way to get involved and meet new people. London is full of opportunities to donate your time to. Try searching for organizations that align with your interests. Pillar Non-Profit is an organization that lists volunteer opportunities in London for non-profit organizations. Large institutions (such as hospitals) are always in need of volunteers. If you don’t have the ability to commit to an organization long-term, large scale charities and non-profit organizations are usually in need of volunteers for single-weekend events.

2. Events

There are a multitude of events happening in London every week. From running races (if that’s your thing) to charity dinners, to festivals, there are endless opportunities to take part in. Victoria Park is home to a vast number of events and happenings; the park is currently home to an outdoor skating rink. You can support the local sports scene by catching a game at Budweiser Gardens for London Knights hockey team or London Lightning basketball team.

3. Shop local

Showing support for local vendors is a great way to connect with the community while helping the local economy. The Western Fair District hosts a farmer’s market every weekend with food, drink, art, and gift vendors from across Southwestern Ontario. Richmond Row is home to many unique shops, businesses, and restaurants that are locally owned.

4. Donate

As students we may not have an excess of money to be able to donate, but there are other ways to give. Clothes that you no longer wear can be donated to various organizations in London. Mission Services, Anova London, and Goodwill accept clothing donations on an ongoing basis. Used books can be donated to the London Public Library or Goodwill. Donating physical items rather than money is a less passive way of getting involved.

5. Join a group or take a class

Joining a group or class is a great way to socially connect to the community, and allows you to meet people with similar interests while doing things that you enjoy. The London Public Library offers art classes for a nominal fee. You can take a community yoga class at various studios in London who will donate the proceeds to local charity. To find ideas and see what classes are being held this week, head over to the Eventbrite website for London.