GUELPH – As the People and Information Network (PIN) celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is asking people to make the 20-20-20 pledge – do 20 things for good, give $20 for good, and share 20 hours for good.
“The collective impact would blanket our community in the warmth of human kindness and support local nonprofits and charities,” said executive director Kim Cusimano.
The agency is promoting the initiative through the hashtag #DoGiveShareGW.
PIN began in 2001 – the International Year of the Volunteer – as the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington and has been a resource for non-profits and charities and a central hub for volunteering, linking people with agencies in need of volunteers.
It has expanded its services over 20 years and now offers leadership training and consultation for executive directors, board members, and leaders of volunteers.
It also collects data on volunteering and essential human services.
But the main pillar is the database of volunteer opportunities in Guelph and Wellington County.
In a recent volunteer survey led by PIN, 93% of respondents indicated that they would return to volunteering in some way post-pandemic with safety measures in place.
“This is key information. This indicates that pre-COVID, volunteers felt connected to the cause and the importance of contributing,” Cusimano said.
“As the sector continues to evolve and adapt, volunteer roles may continue to be altered or transitioned to meet the increasing needs. Volunteer efforts are key to recovery.”
Recent data from Imagine Canada indicates that 60% of charities are reporting a decline in volunteer numbers and 58% report a reduction in volunteer hours.
“The decline in volunteer numbers aligns with results of our Community Benefit Sector survey in the fall of 2020 where 62% of respondents indicated a decline,” Cusimano added.
“The need for volunteer support continues however there are competing demands of both family and work commitments.
“Less time but possibly even less capacity of energy given how individuals are stretched in so many ways over the last year.”
People find meaning and connection in their own lives through volunteer work, Cusimano added. Many volunteers say they gain more than they give.
“Volunteerism builds community,” she said. “With increasing social isolation as a result of the pandemic, we can take action for our community and ourselves by volunteering.”
Volunteer work will also be an important part of Canada’s economic and emotional recovery from the disruption caused by the pandemic, Cusimano noted.
“The community benefit sector is a vital component of recovery. One does not have to look far to see how this sector has impact on our lives,” she said.
“From your child’s volunteer sports coach, your teen’s mentor, your mom’s volunteer driver for chemotherapy, your grandfather’s meal delivery and so much more, this sector has impact on our lives and the lives of our entire community – from food security, to homelessness to climate action and other sustainable development goals.”
Visit PINnetwork.ca to learn more.
