2010 is almost over! Tomorrow is New Years Eve and many of you are finalizing plans, finding outfits, and looking forward to toasts at midnight. Lots of people have traditions of going out, cooking big meals, or watching the ball drop. There's another New Years tradition many of us partake in - the New Years Resolution.

New Years Resolutions can be good but lofty goals - losing 20 pounds, cutting out dairy, travel more, watch less TV. And for the first month or two, a lot of us hold to it. And then we want our favorite comfort food, we feel like we don't have the time or resources to get out of the house and see the sights, or we get overworked and decide that a weekend doing nothing in front of the TV is exactly what we need. We fall off the wagon, and we feel bad about it...until June when we start thinking up our New Years Resolution for next January. This year, why not make a resolution to do something for others, to invest in your community, to make a difference in someone's life. Don't make it about you, make it about those in need - and it's a lot harder to turn your back on them than it is to turn your back on your waist line! There are many ways you can go about doing this and if breast cancer, or any cancer, is your cause, then we've got some suggestions.

GET INVOLVED!

Your local cancer organizations run several fundraising events throughout the year. Run a race or take a walk - whichever sounds best to you, the Canadian and American Cancer Societies have an event that will fit your preference. Join a team and Relay for Life or commit to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in the U.S, or Take Steps Against Breast Cancer in Canada. Sell flowers during Daffodil Days or decrease your cancer risk by putting your health first with Choose You. Do you like to Golf? They've got that too. If you feel like getting gussied up and having a night out on the town, there's a benefit or gala you can go to and support individuals experiencing breast and other cancers in your community. Check out the events in your area and get involved!

Get Involved in Canada or Get Involved in the U.S.

Take Steps in Canada or Make Strides in the U.S.

VOLUNTEER!

Your local cancer organizations have events, services, and day-to-day needs that they would love your help with! Whether you would like to hand out water at a Relay for Life run, man a registration table at a fundraiser, serve as a community representative, lend a hand to patients in support programs,  or lead education efforts, there are endless opportunities for you to give back.

Volunteer in Canada or Volunteer in the U.S.

ADVOCATE!

Have you ever presented an issue to a school board, registered voters, or worked on a campaign? Do you have a passion for politics or improving the lives of people in your community? Then you might find your calling by working with the advocacy groups in Canada and the U.S. Whether you build support for legislation, fight against threats to public health, or promote better nutrition in public schools, you will help reduce your friends' families' and neighbors' risk of developing cancer.

Advocate in Canada or Advocate in the U.S.

DONATE!

If spare time is hard to come by, monetary donations are another great way to give back. Extra funds help the organizations manage unforeseen expenses like increased utility bills or maintenance work. They can make it possible to bring on another staff person to make fundraising events more successful, or bring greater awareness to the community. They can also help to expand programs for patients and their families to receive reduced cost treatment, lodging, support services, or take part in research and experimental treatments.

Donate in Canada or Donate in the U.S.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE!

Are your resources limited? No problem, there are still plenty of ways you can make an impact. Make an effort to get your employer involved through a corporate sponsorship or other donations. Donate airline miles, used cars, or turn online auctions into donations! Your local cancer organizations are ready and willing to help you find a way to support important and necessary programs in your community.

Give in Canada or Give in the U.S.

So this New Years Eve, raise your glass and make a toast to giving back. We've given you some ideas so leave a comment and let us know what your New Years Resolution will be this year.