National Volunteer week

By Sarah Jones

Recognition and encouragement for individuals during National Volunteer Week

Apr 19, 2021 | 12:58 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — This years National Volunteer Week theme has been decided as ‘The Value of One, The Power of Many.’ This theme was used 20 years, but it’s been reimagined to reflect the individual and collective efforts during the pandemic. It emulates the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals who work together to support friends, families, and strangers.

Alberta has one of the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada with over 50 per cent of Albertan’s offering their time, which surpasses the national average of 44 per cent. The province has provided $65,000 dollars in mirco-grants for 67 communities, to ensure alternate celebrations to recognize local efforts in the community.

Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women reminds Albertan’s how impactful donating your time to different organizations can really be.

“From serving on a non-profit board, or helping provide supports to the homeless, to helping with a local bottle drive or bake sale, Alberta’s 1.6 million volunteers strengthen our communities in countless ways. Alberta’s volunteers are in every community, faith group and culture; from newcomers to our beautiful province to our first people who have been here for thousands of years. Our strong culture of caring has been elevated over the past year with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds stepping forward to help their friends and neighbours. Let’s celebrate the life-changing impact of their collective efforts and thank them during National Volunteer Week.”

From April 18 to the 24, Volunteer Lethbridge has put together a virtual activity book for individuals to reflect on strengthening the community through volunteer work. The week long event leads up the YQL volunteer appreciation awards on Thursday night (22), in which nominated individuals will receive recognition for their service in the city.

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The University of Lethbridge is also celebrating the efforts their students have contributed to the city over the past year. Over 922 hours have been contributed from students and the economic value of their input amounts to over $19, 000 dollars.

Nicholas Canning, a third-year U of L student is this year’s UVolunteer Program Coordinator. Canning has been helping students get in touch with many different organizations in the city.

“If you go to a non-profit organization and tell them what you’re interested in, they’ll find a way to make it work, I have students doing Google Analytics marketing. Volunteering can be professional development. For students, there are so many reasons to volunteer, including employers being more likely to hire someone with volunteer experience. Volunteering is definitely a two-way street. It’s a win-win.”

This week, think about offering a random act of kindness to a stranger, or donate your time to any of the organizations in Lethbridge. You can learn more at Volunteer Lethbridge.