About Volunteering
About Volunteering
The value of volunteer involvement
Volunteer involvement is fundamental to a healthy and democratic society in Canada
It promotes civic engagement and active participation in shaping the society we want.
It encourages everyone to play a role and contribute to the quality of life in communities.
Volunteer involvement is vital for strong and connected communities
It promotes change and development through the collective efforts of those who know the community best.
It identifies and supports local strengths and assets to respond to community challenges while strengthening the social fabric.
Volunteer involvement builds the capacity of organizations
It provides organizations with the skills, talents and perspectives that are essential to their relevance, vitality and sustainability.
It increases the capacity of organizations to accomplish their goals through programs and services that respond to and are reflective of the unique characteristics and needs of their communities.
Volunteer involvement is personal
It promotes a sense of belonging and general wellbeing.
It provides the opportunity for individuals to engage according to their personal preferences, interests, skills and motivations.
Volunteering is about building relationships
It connects people to the causes they care about, and allows community outcomes and personal goals to be met within a spectrum of engagement
It creates opportunities for non-profit organizations to accomplish their goals by engaging and involving volunteers, and it allows volunteers an opportunity to connect with and contribute to building community.
The information in this section is taken from the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.
Who can volunteer?
People of all abilities
Volunteering is open to everyone. Regardless of their abilities, everyone feels valued.
Skills: All skill levels, from apprentice to expert, make a difference.
Knowledge: All knowledge levels, from student to scholar, make a difference.
Abilities: All ability levels, from beginner to expert, make a difference.
People of all lifestyles
Volunteering is open to everyone. Regardless of their life circumstances, everyone can get involved in their own way.
Time: Some opportunities require a sustained commitment, but others only require a few hours.
Duration: Some opportunities require a long-term commitment, but not all.
Location: Some opportunities are community-based, others remote, or even on the road.
Social context: Some opportunities are solitary, while others welcome groups of friends or families.
People of all interests
Volunteering is open to everyone. Whatever their interests, everyone finds something to do.
Areas of interest: There are opportunities in education, environment, health and wellness, inclusion and social justice, arts and culture, sports and recreation, food security, heritage, science and technology.
Types of tasks: There are opportunities for technical, manual, creative, social, educational, administrative, leadership, and many other tasks.
No matter where, when, or how volunteers get involved, every little bit counts and makes a difference in the community!
Why volunteer?
People volunteer for many reasons. Some feel compelled by a cause, while others get involved for more pragmatic reasons. In fact, although volunteering is often associated with giving back, volunteers often receive as much as they give.
Develop skills
Volunteering is an excellent way to develop skills at any age, as help is needed in all areas and for all levels of expertise. Whether through technical skills, like carpentry and accounting, or soft skills, like teamwork and leadership, volunteering offers numerous learning opportunities that benefit both volunteers and the community.
Connect with others
Volunteering fosters connections between people with shared interests. Across the world, we are seeing a trend toward isolation and loneliness more than ever. Yet, the effects of this trend on health and well-being are very worrying. Volunteering can help break isolation and strengthen a sense of belonging. Through volunteering, people expand their networks, develop friendships, or simply find a reason to get out and participate in community life for a while.
Support a cause
Here as elsewhere, without the essential support of volunteers, many community needs would go unaddressed. In fact, the resilience of a community depends largely on the dedication of volunteers. And the wonderful thing is that there are worthwhile causes for everyone, and everyone's help can make a big difference.
Every reason is valid
Ultimately, the reason behind volunteering doesn't matter. Whatever the intention, it's valid, because every motivation contributes to the well-being of the community.
Debunking myths
Some myths can sometimes discourage people from getting involved in their community. Here are some misconceptions about volunteering and why they are unfounded.
Myth 1: Volunteering takes too much time.
Many people believe that to be a volunteer, you have to dedicate hours and hours each week. In reality, there are many flexible volunteer opportunities that can fit your schedule. Whether you can offer one hour a month or several hours each week, there are opportunities that suit all types of commitment.
Myth 2: Volunteering is only useful if you have specific skills.
Some people believe that you need specific qualifications to volunteer. However, most volunteer opportunities only require a desire to contribute and a team spirit. Community organizations seek volunteers willing to learn and contribute their energy, not just experts in a particular field.
Myth 3: Volunteering is only for older/younger people.
Volunteering is for everyone, regardless of age! Whether you're young or old, each generation has something to offer. Seniors, for example, can share their life experiences and add a valuable perspective, while youth can bring energy and fresh ideas. Volunteering is an intergenerational activity that benefits everyone.
Myth 4: Volunteering has no real impact.
Some people believe that their volunteer actions, even if well-intentioned, don't have an impact. In reality, every little bit helps. Even a small contribution can have a significant impact, especially when combined with other volunteer efforts. Community projects often only work thanks to the commitment of many volunteers. Your participation can turn an idea into reality.
Myth 5: Volunteering is only for people with a lot of free time.
It's true that some projects may require a long-term commitment, but there are also one-off, short-term opportunities. You can get involved in specific events, such as community clean-ups or fundraisers. Volunteering is open to anyone who feels motivated, even if they have a busy schedule.
Myth 6: Volunteering is primarily for those with a passion for social causes.
While many people get involved out of passion for a specific cause, volunteering isn't just for those already involved in social issues. Sometimes it's simply a desire to make a positive contribution to your community, learn something new, or help someone in need.
Volunteer weeks and days
Kindness Week
The third week of February
Together, Kindness Week and Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17) aim to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness to make the world a better place.
Learn more: Random Acts of Kindness
Volunteer Week
April 27 to May 3, 2025
Volunteer Week is an annual celebration that normally takes place towards the end of April. Its aim is to promote volunteerism and recognize its contribution to the community. The 2025 theme is "Volunteering Makes Waves." Like a wave, volunteering creates movement.
Learn more: Volunteer Week
Mandela Day
July 18
Mandela Day is a global celebration honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. It encourages reflection on Mandela's values and principles and the desire to make a positive impact in one's own community.
Learn more: Mandela Day
World Kindness Day
November 13
World Kindness Day aims to encourage individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives and promote a culture of compassion and generosity.
Learn more: World Kindness Day
National Philanthropy Day
November 15
National Philanthropy Day is a day to celebrate charitable actions such as financial donations, in-kind donations, and volunteer support.
Learn more: National Philanthropy Day
International Volunteer Day
December 5
International Volunteer Day is mandated by the United Nations to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts, and recognize voluntary contributions.
Learn more: International Volunteer Day
