The majority of Canadians – some 79 per cent or 24 million people – volunteer formally or informally, according to Statistics Canada.
We read this and wonder what do these numbers mean, what’s in it for me and what does this look like?
Volunteering can involve volunteering with a nonprofit, or charity, coaching children’s sports, mentoring youth, answering distress line calls, supporting programming for individuals living with dementia, or driving individuals for medical appointments.
Informal volunteering might look like helping a neighbour, participating in a random act of kindness, organizing a community activity, participating in Earth Hour, or shoveling a neighbour’s driveway.
There are a variety of benefits to volunteering.
Community building
When you volunteer, you are taking an active role in shaping the kind of community you want to live, work and play in.
It’s good for your health!
Volunteering is good for your health by increasing well-being in a variety of ways including physical activity and positive mental health by decreasing loneliness and increasing connections. Researcher Brene Brown says: “Humans are hard-wired for connection.” Volunteering provides an opportunity to connect with others through shared meaning and purpose. Harvard University research indicates that loneliness has the same risk as smoking for heart disease.
Skill development
Through learning and hands-on experience, volunteering provides transferrable skills that can be applied to employment. In addition volunteering helps networking, developing connections and expanding your professional circle and may introduce you to new career options.
Sense of belonging
Volunteering provides an opportunity to learn different perspectives, welcome community members and create a safe space where all can feel seen, heard and valued. Volunteering fosters and cultivates opportunities for social inclusion and belonging.
#EmpathyInAction
The theme of National Volunteer Week 2022 is “Empathy In Action.”
By contributing through kindness, you are showcasing the generosity of the human spirit. Kindness begets kindness and the opportunity to help another human, spread and elevate kindness in our community boomerangs right back to you in many ways including pure joy.
Volunteerism is woven into the fabric of our community.
It happens informally or formally, long-term and short-term, with friends, family and even strangers.
People and Information Network
The People and Information Network (PIN) has been the go-to hub for volunteerism in Guelph Wellington.
As the lynchpin, PIN provides connections and leadership to support the development of individuals and organizations.
It provides a hub for volunteer opportunities and engagement and enable best practices and continuous learning for professionals in the non-profit sector.
To explore your options for local volunteerism, visit PIN – The People and Information Network – online at PINnetwork.ca or call 519-822-0912.
