Giving Back to the Community

I just came back from the most amazing event, the Ride for Roswell, a cycling event that takes place every year in Buffalo, NY. It started as a small event back in 1999, raising a little over $100,000.

This year, the goal is $6,000,000, and by the time of the race, they had already reached $5.9 million. The event brings together 7,000 riders and requires 1,500 volunteers to make it happen.

Volunteer jobs include manning registration booths for three days leading up to the event, serving food, guiding riders along the route, cheering at the start and finish lines, and more.

The breakfast tent was set up to serve several hundred people, while another tent provided lunch for 1,800 riders at a time. Those who raised over $1,000 were part of the Extra Mile Club, which had a special tent serving around 600 people.

In addition to the regular volunteers, local bike shops and water stations were set up along the routes and at the start line. It’s the perfect opportunity to give back to the community.

I saw people of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs and other types of disabilities, serving in various volunteer roles. Riders took off in 20-minute intervals, starting at 6:00 a.m. and continuing until 10:00 a.m..

The after-race celebration lasting into the mid-afternoon. I met many retired people — some who participated in the ride and many others, like me, who volunteered.

I have done it for 20 years and this year I worked two shifts: on Friday, I helped at the guest information desk, and on Saturday, I worked one of the food stations in the Extra Mile Club tent.

Each shift was only four hours, and I find it to be a rewarding way to give back.

The amazing part is that the Ride for Roswell isn’t the only event that needs volunteers.

In Buffalo there are running events, garden tours, food festivals, and more. If you want to give back to the community and think there’s nothing you can do, you’re not looking hard enough.

I find it truly fulfilling to help out for a great cause. You should consider volunteering before and after you retire. You are never too old to do something that is worthwhile and great.

Retirement is your time—use it with purpose, plan how you’ll spend, and make every minute count toward a meaningful life.

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