Last weekend’s time change gave Ontarians a precious extra hour for one day. With that in mind, Big Brothers Big Sisters and FedEx Express Canada recently asked Canadians to discuss how they would use a single hour to make the world a better place.

The FedEx Value of an Hour Survey on Facebook  found Ontarians would spend their additional hour: completing household errands and chores (28 per cent); catching up on sleep (23 per cent); with family and friends (20 per cent); exercising (13 per cent); volunteering (8 per cent); pursuing personal interests (5 per cent) and working (4 per cent).

That Ontarians are forgoing community service because of the frantic pace of their lives should come as no surprise. However, research shows volunteers believe they get more out of donating their time than they give.

Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in Hamilton/Burlington are in dire need of volunteers, primarily men and women 19 and older to work with “littles” (ages five to 14) during weekly or bi-weekly visits.

Volunteers are also needed for school-related programs and a group recreation program. The local organizations pair young people with older ‘bigs’ in a winning combination from which everyone benefits.

Perhaps that ‘extra’ time you gained over the weekend could be well spent helping a local youngster.

For more information on how to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit online at http://www.callbigbrothers.com, call the Hamilton office at 905-525-3860 or the Burlington office at 905-637-9911.

It will be time well spent.