Without volunteerism, many people with a variety of challenges would not get the support and services they need.
Yet for many, busy lives can make it hard to find time to volunteer. For others, the challenge might not be about time but finding a volunteer opportunity that meets their need and the needs of their families.
Volunteer Canada reports that 12.7 million Canadians volunteered in 2013.
Forty-four per cent of Canadians volunteer formally, meaning they are involved in an activity or role which takes place in organizations or institutions, while 82% volunteer informally, meaning helping people directly, without the involvement of an organization or group.
The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington reports 75,000 people volunteered in Guelph and Wellington in 2013.
There are many benefits to giving back to the community; help others less fortunate, meet new people, gain new skills, advance your career and have fun doing something you enjoy. It increases self-confidence and gives a sense of purpose. It is a wonderful way to stay active and healthy and most importantly, volunteering means being engaged and it builds healthy and strong communities.
Many organizations have flexible and innovative volunteer options available. People can also now choose when and how they volunteer. It could be episodic; meaning occurring one to four times a year or it can be daily, weekly or monthly.
Currently, there are 148 opportunities available and 2,620 individuals needed in all of Guelph/Wellington.
For a list of opportunities, contact the Volunteer Centre at http://volunteergw.ca/ or call 519-822-0912.
“Together, we can build a vibrant, healthy and resilient Guelph and Wellington County,” officials state.
