National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an opportunity to appreciate volunteers and highlight the impact of their support. In 2021, NVW takes place April 18 through 24, with the theme of The Value of One, The Power of Many and honours the millions of Canadians who make a difference through individual and collective volunteerism and civic participation.
PIN – the People and Information Network, formerly the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington – is offering thanks to every individual who volunteered over this past year. Whether informally, by sewing masks, painting gratitude rocks, organizing drive-by birthday wishes, or calling a neighbour, for example, or formally by packing and delivering food to those in need, answering the distress line, assisting virtually with technology, writing notes of hope, leading as a board member or any number tasks, volunteers altered their lives to meet the need in community.
“For volunteerism, the pandemic was a caution and a call to action,” said Kim Cusimano, executive director.
“Initially as community programs, services and events closed and cancelled, volunteer roles were put on hiatus and for volunteers considered to be at risk (over 70 years old, health conditions), volunteering was no longer an option,” Cusimano continued.
“However, the need for volunteers was very present. Food security, mental health and supporting through virtual volunteer roles grew. As non profits and charities continue to assess and safely adapt, the need for volunteers will continue to grow.”
Cusimano said volunteerism builds community.
“When you volunteer, you are making a choice on the kind of community you want to live, work and play in.”
The benefits of volunteering are immense; from supporting a passion, a cause or a pandemic, to building networks, skills and experience, to meeting new people, being connected to others and finding meaning and purpose through giving.
It’s powerful, she said, and when communities harness that power, everyone benefits.
Since 2001, PIN has worked to harness that power, to inspire and to support individuals to find a meaningful volunteer match.
“Volunteers bring change through individual actions and collective efforts. At PIN, we believe that everyone has something to contribute to our community and that contribution is good for individuals, good for community and good for business,” she said.
PIN is inviting community members to join the organization in sharing appreciation during National Volunteer Week.
In addition to the annual ‘Caring Community Card’- an appreciation card with exclusive offers for volunteers from community minded business – the PIN team will again host the annual ‘Time To Give’ Community event on April 22 from 7:30 to 9am.
This year, the event is a local virtual celebration of volunteerism and community with Cathy Taylor, the first executive director of the original Volunteer Centre and current executive director of the Ontario Nonprofit Network along with Paula Speevak, president and CEO of Volunteer Canada.
Visit pinnetwork.ca to learn more about the virtual event.
