Yorkton Council heard a presentation Monday at its regular meeting about the upcoming National Volunteer Week.
“National Volunteer Week is upon us again and this year’s theme, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts ofkindness by millions of individuals and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose,” explained Lisa Washington – Community Development Manager with the City at Monday’s meeting.
“This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.”
In regards to the difficult year, Washington said the Week is celebrating those who may have been impacted by the pandemic.
“As we celebrate all those who have stepped up to help others this year, we also recognize all those who have stepped back fromvolunteering to protect themselves and others,” she said. “The value of one person staying home helps protect their network, the power of many people keeping their distance helps protect our community. The power of many people working together can bring about monumental changes. We have seen people work together on legislative changes related to impaired driving, same sex marriage, and assisted dying. We have seen neighbourhood safety and resiliency rise when many residents are engaged.”
The theme covers a broad range too.
“The theme is a nod to our past, a reflection of our present, and a wink to our future. “The Value of One, the Power of Many”was the theme for National Volunteer Week in 2001,” said Washington. “The International Year of Volunteers.It beautifully reflects the individual and collective efforts, we have seen during the pandemic, and it sets the tone for re-imagining the next 20 years as the value of one act and the power of many enables us to thrive together.”
The week is important because volunteerism is important to Canadians, offered Washington.
“National Volunteer Week is a celebration of the commitment, dedication and selflessness that are the hallmarks of volunteerism across Canada. Volunteering is part of our identity as Canadians – and we value civic participation and embrace a spiritof community. Volunteer Canada, a national non-profit organization, is the national voice for volunteerism. According to Volunteer Canada, 12.7 millionCanadian volunteers give their time tohelp others, contributing close to 2 billionvolunteer hours per year. The tremendous efforts of Canada’s volunteers help make our country a vibrant, safe place to call home,” she said.
Of course volunteerism is important for varied reasons.
“The economic and community impacts of volunteering are plentiful,” said Washington. “They contribute millions of hours and millions more in value and for this- and many other reasons - we welcome this opportunity to shine a spotlight on volunteers. The charitable and non-profit sectors in Canada is strengthened by the unwavering support of its volunteers. Withoutthem, entire organizations would cease to exist, and many Canadians would go without the help they need; help they cannot always afford. From fostering cats and dogs or shoveling an elderly neighbour’s driveway, to sorting groceries at a food bank, or organizing a fundraiser-volunteering makes a difference.”
National Volunteer Week 2021 is April 18-24.
“As community involvement and volunteering continues toevolve, one thing remains timeless, however - volunteer efforts have a positive impact in Yorkton and all communities across Canada. Community engagement benefits everyone,” said Washington.
