National Volunteer Week (Canada)

This week is National Volunteer Week in Canada 2012, and the theme of volunteerism really resonates with me. I have volunteered front-line with the Union Gospel Mission serving meals, co-organized a fashion show for Out In Schools alongside Erin Gee, Ashley Mangat and Niki Blasina, co-organized Mental Health Camp alongside Isabella Mori, hosted Freelance Camp for 2 years in a row, and on top of that, I consider blogging part of my volunteer activities, as I promote the arts in Vancouver, non-profits and other charitable causes relentlessly through my social platforms, especially cancer and HIV/AIDS-focused. In addition, much of my scholarly research has been on environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). So, it’s fitting that this week is National Volunteer Week in Canada (organized by Volunteer Canada).

Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. Since 1977, the organization has been committed to increasing and supporting volunteerism and civic participation through ongoing programs, special projects and national initiatives, by developing resources and by engaging in research and training across the country. Working with volunteer centres, community and national organizations and businesses, Volunteer Canada actively leads national dialogues on how volunteerism is related to citizen engagement and civil society and provides leadership on issues and trends in the Canadian volunteer movement.

If you are interested in volunteering, there are a million worthy causes in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and the rest of Canada. You can check the Get Volunteering website for more information.