What happens when children learn that giving back is not just about helping others—but also about building empathy, resilience, and connection?
In this episode of The Giving Habit, Carol Schlessinger, co-founder of Kids Giving Back, explains how volunteering can create a “triple impact” for children, the people they support, and the wider community.
Carol shares how Kids Giving Back began after she struggled to find meaningful volunteering opportunities for her own young children, and how the organisation has grown from families cooking and delivering meals into a broad range of programs for schools, families, teenagers, and corporate groups.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:15 The spark: personal stories and early influences
05:32 The importance of hands-on delivery and personal interaction
08:12 The triple impact: kids, recipients, and community
11:30 The mental health benefits of kindness and connection
17:14 Programs for youth: Grow, school incursions, and holiday programs
21:55 Funding sources and sustainability challenges
26:33 The importance of empathy, compassion, and response
30:42 The impact of food insecurity and community support
33:22 Creating intergenerational connections and reducing ageism
37:42 The value of shared experiences and family involvement
40:24 The science of social connection and happiness
43:00 Advocacy, mental health, and the future of youth programs
Carol’s message is simple: you do not need to wait for the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Start small, get involved, and help raise the next generation of generous, compassionate community members.
The Giving Habit is brought to you by The Majurity Trust, building a thriving, sustainable Singapore for all. Learn more at https://www.majurity.sg/tgh
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