Although there seems to be a week for virtually everything these days, there are some of those which are proclaimed annually that are just too worthy of being recognized not to be supportive of the effort.
It was not surprising that Yorkton Council unanimously supported a recommendation from City administration to declare National Volunteer Week 2019 for April 7 to 13.
The impact of volunteers is frankly dramatic when looking at their efforts nationally.
“Volunteering is a major part of our identity as Canadians – we value civic participation and embrace a spirit of community. Volunteer Canada, a national non-profit organization, is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. According to Volunteer Canada, 12.7 million Canadian volunteers give their time to help others, contributing close to 2 billion volunteer hours per year. The tremendous efforts of Canada’s volunteers help make our country a vibrant, safe place to call home,” said Lisa Washington, Community Development Manager with the City at the regular meeting of City Council Monday in making the recommendation.
If you’re wondering, a year consists of 8,760 hours, so 2 billion hours is 228,310 years, which is simply incredible.
Washington went on to note “in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) otherwise known as Global Goals, to mobilize global efforts to improve social, economic and environmental conditions around the world. Canada is one of 193 member states that agreed to work towards achieving these goals by 2030. Volunteer Canada has adopted these goals because volunteering is an essential vehicle to help us tackle some of the pressing challenges facing the world.”
When we look at the range of SDGs, there is not a single goal that does not involve volunteers, nor is there one that is not important to our society considering the list includes no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, and gender equality.
We see that locally as well, said Washington.
“Locally, we see it every day. Volunteers leading activities, lifting the collective confidence to solve common issues. Volunteers tutoring people to read, lifting their self-esteem and increasing their success in school. Volunteers visiting people, lifting their spirits and keeping them connected. Volunteers coaching sports teams, lifting community pride and creating lifelong bonds,” she said.
Imagine a community without the effort of volunteers raising funds for Telemiracle or Close Cuts, coach our youth in a range of sports, helping the elderly and the list goes on and on.
So do take the opportunity the week will provide to just say thanks to all the people who give of their time to make our community and country better.
