Message from Ruth MacKenzie, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada

National Volunteer Week is all about volunteer recognition. It’s a time to acknowledge the vital efforts of volunteers, and to show the impact these efforts have on the well being of communities at home and around the globe. Canada’s volunteers help keep our nation vibrant and strong. During National Volunteer Week, we pause to thank the 13.3 million Canadians who dedicate more than 2.1 billion hours in order to maintain healthy communities across the country.

The culture of volunteerism is changing, and both organizations and volunteers are adapting to face this new reality. The traditional view of volunteers as service providers no longer resonates with all Canadians. Today, we accept that everyone has a role to play within a more inclusive definition of volunteering. This broader definition encompasses all forms of citizen engagement, including sharing information through Facebook about your favourite organization or cause, volunteering virtually for an international organization, and adopting leadership roles in organizational governance.

All forms of engagement are critical to our communities. The inclusive nature of volunteering is an important message to get out during National Volunteer Week: everyone has the right and the responsibility to be engaged. Volunteering isn’t just for select people – it’s for everyone.

Each year, momentum builds around “giving back,” as the tremendous value of volunteering continues to gain wider recognition. Recently, there has been a surge of public interest toward volunteerism. In the past year the voluntary sector received unprecedented media attention, highlighting the tremendous efforts of volunteers in times of crisis – from the Slave Lake wildfires to the flooding in Manitoba and Québec.  In the wake of the Vancouver riots last spring, the dedication of local volunteers who repaired their damaged city eclipsed the rioters’ destructive actions. And as the Occupy movement spread to Canada, people across the country organized peaceful protests and lent their voices to a global call to action for better governance and a more equitable world.

It’s important that we take time to express our gratitude to all volunteers. The most effective way to thank them for their great efforts is to highlight how their voluntary contributions are making a positive impact. Volunteers want to know the impact of their efforts – and ultimately, knowing they’re creating positive change is their biggest reward. Thanks to the generous support of Investors Group, we are helping to ensure Canadians are prepared to celebrate the valuable work and achievements of volunteers.

As Canadians, we have volunteers to thank for the vibrant communities we enjoy from coast to coast. Volunteer Canada looks forward to honouring their critical work and showcasing the impact of their incredible contributions. I encourage you to do the same.

Sincerely,

Ruth MacKenzie
President and CEO, Volunteer Canada