October 13th is Global PT Day of Service this year, and physical therapists all over the country are coming together to give back to the community in more ways than you could imagine!
PTs are givers by nature, and you give to your community every day with your healing services. However, there is a huge opportunity to make a difference by stepping out of your clinic – if even just for this one day!
Global PT Day of Service started years ago with a “What If” and has turned into a movement. Service embodies everything PTs are about, and when we all come together, we can make a huge change in the world.
If you’re looking for a new way to give back or this is your first year to participate, pledge to participate on the Global PT Day of Service website, and keep reading to discover ways to serve your community!
Volunteer Your Time
No matter where you choose to volunteer on October 13th, you will make a tremendous impact on someone’s life! Bring your staff along with you to provide service in the community for a few hours of the day.
Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Cleaning up a local park
- Packing boxes at a food bank
- Walking dogs at an animal shelter
- Paint a mural at a children’s center
Make a Donation
Perhaps you don’t have a lot of free time, but you do have some extra money tucked away: donate to a reputable charity that you care about. Encourage your staff to contribute as well!
If you can’t make a cash donation, there are plenty of shelters, children’s centers, libraries, food banks and more that accept donations in the form of food items, clothing, shoes, and books.
Host a Fundraising Event
There are a few different ways you can host a fundraising event! If your practice is open on Saturdays, you could partner with a local business for the day and raise money for a charity. For example, partner with your local smoothie café owner. When patients complete their therapy, they can buy a smoothie at your front desk and the proceeds go to your local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club.
Another option might be that you attend a charity event and offer 10-minute massages or wellness products, and the profits are donated to the fundraiser.
Offer Pro-Bono Services
A great way to use your particular expertise and skills to give back to the community is to offer pro-bono services at a local homeless shelter. Not only will this help a huge population of people in need, it’s safe to say it will be a gratifying experience for you.
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Remember, regardless of what you do or how you do it – all that matters is you’re doing something good for your community. Even if all you can do is assist someone crossing the road, or clean up the trash in your parking lot… Every good deed makes a big difference.
How will you give back for this year’s Global PT Day of Service? Share with us in the comments below!
