For the 16th consecutive year, Volunteer Canada delivers the National Volunteer Week (NVW) campaign in partnership with Investors Group
OTTAWA, April 17, 2018 /CNW/ - National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to thank and celebrate the diverse value and far reaching impacts of Canada's 12.7 million volunteers.
When Canadians volunteer, everyone benefits. Individuals develop new skills, organizations increase their capacity to provide services, businesses attract talent, neighbourhoods are more resilient and citizens are further engaged. The magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all. That immense richness is something to be celebrated.
Valuing volunteerism takes many forms. From the student who's grades and confidence increase when working with a volunteer mentor, to a retiree who finds a new sense of belonging and community, to an organization that can stay open enough hours to qualify for an operating grant from the city. Volunteering builds confidence, competence, connections and community.
A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada estimates that "volunteers added over two billion hours to Canada's work effort in 2017…providing services that are equivalent to 6.5 per cent of employment—about the size of employment in education. If measured, volunteering would add an estimated $56 billion to economic activity in 2017. Together with non-profit activities, the economic contribution rises to nearly $87 billion."
"Our National Volunteer Week theme, Celebrate the Value of Volunteering! Building confidence competence, connections and community serves as a reminder of the diverse social and economic impact of volunteering. Let's embrace all the wonderful ways that people care for each other and our communities by thanking all volunteers across Canada," says Paula Speevak, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada.
"Investors Group believes in the value of volunteering and the importance of recognition. Canadian communities are more vibrant, inclusive and connected thanks to volunteers," says Trevor Krahn, Director of Community Investment, Investors Group. "National Volunteer Week is a dedicated time to reflect and expand upon what volunteering means, and to celebrate the collective efforts of all those who contribute to bettering the lives of fellow Canadians every day."
About Volunteer Canada – Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. We collaborate closely with volunteer centres, local organizations and national corporations to promote and broaden volunteering.
SOURCE Volunteer Canada
Samantha Dignam, Communications Coordinator, [email protected], 613-231-4371 ext. 270
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