- VolWeb.ca | April 2008 Newsletter | 2008-06-13
VolWeb.caTM | April 2008 Newsletter
Celebrate National Volunteer Week - April 27 to May 3
National Volunteer Week was created to pay tribute to volunteers' hard work and to recognize the numerous ways in which they improve our communities. This year, from April 27 to May 3, communities across Canada will gather together to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. Here are some of the events happening in B.C.:
- Volunteer BC will celebrate this year's National Volunteer Week with their annual NVW photo contest. This year's theme is From Compassion to Action and the deadline for submissions is April 10.
- Volunteer Vancouver is hosting their 20th annual Volunteer Celebration on April 20. Featuring the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of grand music and celebration.
Did you know?
- Volunteers in B.C. contribute an average of 199 volunteer hours each year.
- Volunteers in Canada contribute an average of 168 volunteer hours each year.
- Volunteers around the world contribute two-billion volunteer hours each year. That is equivalent to one-million full-time jobs!
So why do people feel the need to contribute so many hours of hard work and dedication by volunteering?
According to the 2005 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, the top three reasons for volunteering are: contributing to the community, being able to use one's skills and experiences, and being affected by the organization's cause.
Whatever your reason is for volunteering, the VolWeb.caTM team would like to extend our thanks and appreciation for donating your time so generously.
Out in the Community
The 2008 North Shore Festival of Volunteers took place at Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver on Saturday, March 1. Nancy Hollstedt, organizer of the event from North Shore Community Resources, and Bryant Boesen, volunteer MC, show their smiles at this year's event!
The VolWeb team and the Abbotsford Spirit of BC Committee presented to, and spoke with, students on the benefits of volunteering to gain work experience at the University College of the Fraser Valley Career Fair on Thursday, March 20.
On April 23 the VolWeb team will be at Enver Creek Secondary in Surrey from 8:30 a.m. to noon, for their Volunteer Fair!
Quick Tips
Volunteers: When an organization contacts you, be sure to respond and let them know you've received their information! If the event is fast approaching and you don't have the details you need, don't hesitate to contact the organization and ask them about it. Organizations appreciate any help they get and will be more than happy to send you more information.
Organizations: When recruiting volunteers through VolWeb.caTM, be sure to respond to volunteer applications and contact your volunteers in a timely manner. You don't have to be ready to assign volunteers into positions before you contact them; it's always good to connect with your volunteers right away to say hi and thank them for their efforts.
Volunteer at the Super Cites WALK for MS
The Super Cities WALK for MS happens every year in 23 different towns across B.C. and Yukon. Over 5,000 people participate to raise money for MS research and services for people with MS. This year's events will be held on Sunday, April 27 and event coordinators are looking for volunteers young and old to join in!
The MS Society knows these events are a success because of the efforts of their volunteers.
"I feel fortunate to work with an amazing, diverse and talented group of volunteers, because our events would not take place without them! The money raised at events funds the services the Society is able to provide and allows us to fund cutting-edge MS research," explains Stacey Bradshaw, coordinator of volunteers for the MS Society's B.C. and Yukon Division.
At the MS Society, many of their volunteers donate their time because they have been personally affected by the disease. One out of two people in Canada know someone with MS. But this is not the only reason people volunteer. Many volunteer to gain volunteer hours for school or work experience, or to meet new people.
Have you ever been a route marshal? Here's your chance! Sign up for this position and be ready to feel the positive energy from Super Cities WALK participants as they pass by your corner. Route marshals are ready with helpful information and enthusiasm to cheer participants on!
Super Cities WALK locations near you:
Vancouver - Ceperley Park in Stanley Park
Surrey - Bear Creek Park
Langley - Walnut Grove Park
Port Moody - Rocky Point Park
Visit VolWeb.caTM for more information and help support people living with MS in B.C.
Flower Power: The MS Society is also in search of friendly sales volunteers to sell carnations for their Carnation Campaign in various locations around the Lower Mainland from May 8 to 10.
Latest Opportunities
Serpentine Greenway Stewardship Event
April 13, Surrey
Enjoy spending your time in the great outdoors? Help beautify the neighbourhood by removing invasive plants and planting native plant gardens for the Serpentine Greenway Stewardship.
Timebenders Concert
April 19, Victoria
The Timebenders concert promises to be an unforgettable experience of music from the 40s to the 90s, all in support of the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Volunteers can help with ticket sales, security and set up/take down.
Relay for Darfur
April 19-27, Vancouver
Raising awareness of the crisis in Darfur, the Relay for Darfur is a ski, snowshoe, climb, cycle and paddle Olympic torch style relay from Whistler Mountain to the Olympic clock in downtown Vancouver. If you are great behind a camera, this event needs your help!
Diabetes Education Expo
May 3, Courtenay
This expo is a fun and informal way to learn more about staying healthy and preventing and managing diabetes. If you're looking for a volunteer position with more responsibility, apply to be the marketing coordinator for the expo!
Vancouver Triathlon World Championships 2008
June 3-8, Vancouver
This exciting event is the final Olympic qualifying race for Canadians to earn a spot on the team going to Beijing. If you love the adrenaline-pumping, heart-thumping atmosphere of sports, the triathlon wants you! Athlete support services and race crew help is needed.
