Giving Back--Great Organizations to Volunteer for in Massachusetts
by EMD Serono

Whether you are a stay-at-home mother or a vice president at a bank, finding time to give back and volunteer for a charity can be a challenge. But, it's not as hard--or as time-consuming--as it might sound. In fact, volunteering could be a golden opportunity to bond with your kids or your colleagues. Here's a guide to some fun and interactive Boston-area charitable organizations that offer volunteer activities, from bike rides that support multiple sclerosis research, to building castles for kids living with cancer, to walks that benefit people living with HIV.

The MS Cape Cod Getaway – Challenge yourself to ride 150 miles in two days and raise money to benefit the Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in this fun event. The largest bicycle ride in New England, the scenic route starts at Boston Harbor and ends in Provincetown.  Can’t ride? Volunteer to hand out water or help with registration. The MS Cape Cod Getaway is a great way to spend a summer weekend and make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. The 2010 ride will be held on June 26 & 27. http://www.bikems.org/

Magical Moon Foundation – Located in Marshfield, MA, the Magical Moon Farm is a safe haven where children with cancer can go to escape from their disease for a few hours. Run by Donna Green, local artist and illustrator of the children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit, the foundation empowers children living with cancer and their families to think positively and better cope with the disease. Volunteering at the enchanting farm is a great team-building opportunity to roll up your sleeves and work outside landscaping a garden, feeding the animals, or helping to build a magical castle where the children and their families can soon gather to share their experiences, spread hope, and have fun outside of the hospital. www.themagicalmoonfoundation.org

AIDS Walk – AIDS Walk Boston is a grassroots community event benefiting the AIDS Action Committee (AAC) of Massachusetts, New England’s largest and oldest AIDS service organization. The walk’s dedicated participants and sponsors raise over $1.2 million to support AAC’s programs, services and prevention efforts and to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Massachusetts. Show your support of the AAC by wearing red and participating in the 6.2 mile walk, starting and finishing at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. The 25th annual AIDS Walk Boston will be held on June 6th, 2010. www.aidswalk.org or 617-424-WALK

Hope Lodge – The Hope Lodge, located in Jamaica Plain, MA., offers cancer patients and their families a free, temporary place to stay while in Boston undergoing treatments. Not having to worry about lodging allows patients to focus on the most important thing: getting well. Meals are not included as part of a patients stay, so cooking dinner for the guests is a much appreciated volunteer opportunity. There are many other ways to interact with the guests such as playing Wii or board games, hosting a movie night, or regularly donating a few hours each month as a receptionist or a driver. www.cancer.org

ACS Breast Cancer Walk – Participate in the inspiring 5-mile Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk along the Charles River in Boston. Bring your entire family, friends and even your dog to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about the disease, and help save lives.
This event is a great way for people of all ages to gather and spend a fall morning doing something positive in their community.  http://makingstrides.acsevents.org

Massachusetts Conference for Women co-chair sponsor EMD Serono is active in the Boston-area community, and is closely involved with these dedicated charitable organizations. In 2008, EMD Serono employees volunteered more than 7,500 hours.  EMD Serono and its employees are passionate about these causes and donate not only company time, but personal time as well toward making a difference in society. It is easy to get caught up in daily routines, but it is important to carve out some time to give back to underserved populations and those in need. Whether you volunteer at a walk or ride, or work community service into a team building opportunity or a family tradition, giving back can be an interactive, inspiring experience.

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