There are so many reasons why people volunteer. Some people do it to gain career experience, network and build their resume; to develop skills or learn new ones. Some people volunteer to build self-esteem and make themselves feel better. Some may volunteer as a result of an instilled set of values that compel them to act on a belief in the importance of helping others.  And others volunteer because they have experienced firsthand the cruel sting that life can inflict.

A couple of years ago a friend of mine asked me to join a communications committee for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. I had never been involved with a charity on that level before and was hesitant to get involved. I was like many Canadians, not sure how I could make a difference and influence others to donate. What could I do to help? Then, in a light bulb moment, I realized I could do something. And in a potentially major way. I could use my skills as a film producer to make enlightening videos to help arm the foundation with ammunition in the battle for public awareness. I could help tell the stories of those suffering from mental illness.

Through the process I’ve learned so much. I’ve become aware of how huge the stigma is despite the fact that mental illness touches everyone: our friends, co-workers, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters … and even our children. The statistics are staggering- 1 in 5 suffer from a mental illness. That’s 20% of our population, yet only 4% of the total health care budget is spent on mental health. As a result, mental illness drains 51 billion dollars in lost productivity from the Canadian economy each year. As a business person, the numbers don’t make sense to me. As a human being, it concerns me on an entirely different level.

So although I thought that I couldn’t do anything, I have. I want people to understand the journey many go through for better mental health, and these films are my medium to help develop that understanding. The reward to me is in seeing results, even if they are small. The feeling you get from helping others- and making a true difference in their lives- really is unexplainable. It’s addictive, and makes you want to do more. Volunteering is no longer something I want to do, it’s something I have to do… because I love it.

So why do I volunteer? I volunteer for many of the reasons listed above, but- more than anything- I volunteer to give back; to my community, my friends, and my family. It’s the ultimate payback to a community that has supported me and my companies over the years. The irony is that in giving back, I feel like I am getting so much in return.

We win when we volunteer. I‘m really happy my friend gave me the push I needed to get involved. Volunteer! And don’t be hesitant; you’ll be surprised by what skills you can bring to the table.

Mike Hachey is CEO of Egg Films and Hatch Post in Halifax. He is on the board of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Foundation.  www.eggfilms.ca