I am honoured to be part of Volunteer Canada during this exciting period of growth and innovation. One area of focus is our work on corporate volunteerism through the Canadian Corporate Council on Volunteering. In collaboration with corporate leaders from across Canada, we are developing a Centre for Excellence in Corporate Community Involvement in order to leverage the expertise of the sector and the needs of the corporate community. Grappling with issues such as ethics and accountability, we are creating synergy and new expertise. 

 

Volunteer Canada leads the volunteer movement by working in close collaboration with partner networks across the country, across the continent, and across the world. The network of volunteer centres across the country is our natural partner in promoting volunteerism nationally in its myriad of shapes and forms. Volunteers serve on boards and raise funds for worthy causes, we organize events and counsel and mentor and coach, we provide direct and indirect care, we drive, cook, lobby, canvas, stuff envelopes, march for a cause and help people get elected. For caring citizens with a bit of a time to give, there is no end to what you can do. Volunteers – from compassion to action; the slogan says it all.

 

The unprecedented economic situation in our country presents the voluntary sector with challenges and opportunities. More and more Canadians are seeing volunteerism as a way to obtain training and skill development to improve their job prospects. At the same time, an increasing number of non-profit and charitable organizations will rely heavily on their volunteers to deliver essential services during times of need. Now, more than ever, the voluntary sector needs to come together to ensure that Canada is ready to better recruit, engage, and retain our volunteers to drive our country in the right direction. 

 

The government can also play a role in ensuring that this happens. By monitoring public policy and engaging in broad-based dialogues with elected and bureaucratic officials, we are working towards a collaborative effort where we engage volunteerism to strengthen the fabric of our society and foster global citizenship in its broadest form. 

 

Canada relies on its volunteers. From the participation of volunteers during elections to the coaching of sports teams in the community, volunteers roll up their sleeves to make things happen. In 2010, volunteers will play another crucial role as Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympics. Close to 25,000 individuals will roll up their sleeves to make the Games safe, vibrant, and fun! 

 

At Volunteer Canada, we believe in the importance of investing in those who invest in us. From our various programs and resources to our flagship National Volunteer Week campaign, we will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of Canada’s volunteers. We hope that you can join us in our efforts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rosemary Byrne, Board Chair

Volunteer Canada