For an organization powered by the dedication of its volunteers, National Volunteer Week is an important week for Results Canada. This week-long celebration is an opportunity to highlight the tireless efforts our volunteers contribute all year and to share how much we appreciate them. It is thanks to your continuous dedication that we’re able to take steps toward a world free of extreme poverty.
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021 is “The Value of One, The Power of Many”, which represents the unique skills and contributions each volunteer has to offer and the incredible impact that occurs when all of those voices come together.
While the new burdens imposed by COVID-19 undoubtedly altered everyone’s capacity to be engaged in advocacy over the past year, Results Canada has been fortunate to see a large increase in volunteers since January 2020 with 30 groups and over 300 volunteers now, rising from 9 groups and 100 volunteers! As advocacy was already taking place primarily online for Results, our existing volunteers were quick to adapt and new volunteers were eager and ready to get involved.
Did you know that volunteering can be good for your health? Giving time to helping others and engaging with new people can increase your overall happiness which helps to improve your mental health. Volunteering can also positively affect your physical health, as people who volunteer tend to be more active, plus studies have found that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not. Volunteering also offers opportunities to learn new skills and make new connections that can help you with advancing your career.
Canadians love to volunteer!
In 2018, almost 22.7 million Canadians (74% of the population) volunteered, with the average person volunteering 149 hours per year. When lockdown began in Canada in March 2020, the number of Canadians volunteering decreased, due to health and safety concerns, lack of virtual volunteer options, and online fatigue, among other factors. However, June 2020 brought an increase in volunteering as more people began to adapt to the new reality and, as they started to feel more comfortable, they became eager to do their part and give back. Volunteering looks quite different in 2020 and 2021, with many organizations having now transitioned to online volunteering, yet the passion and impact prevails.
Interested in getting involved with us?
We’re so proud of our volunteers and excited to show you off! Take a look at our Volunteer Showcase to learn more.
