The third week of
April is National Volunteer Week.
It’s the time each year that we collectively
pause to acknowledge and appreciate the effort of millions of Canadians and
British Columbians. Amidst a global health crisis, the contribution of
volunteers is even more pronounced.
Non-profits and charities make a huge
contribution in our communities. They provide a human touch, connectivity and
for many a reprieve from isolation. Volunteers support vulnerable people, the
arts and youth sports, they dedicate their time and efforts to ensure our
communities are vibrant and healthy.
Many of the volunteer-run organizations that
we have come to depend on are critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At
the same time that service delivery has been disrupted, demand is skyrocketing.
Additionally, fundraising has dramatically
decreased as businesses are shut down, people have been laid off and financial
markets are in chaos.
As we raise our hands in gratitude for
everything that volunteers contribute to our communities and organizations, the
need for more volunteers right now is greater than ever.
If you would like to help please visit Volunteer BC
to learn how volunteering has
been changed by the COVID-19 pandemic and how you
can get connected with a local organization or program that needs your
assistance.
We can ease the impact of this difficult time
by communities coming together and looking out for each other. That is the
important work that volunteers do every day.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to spend their time and
energy to help lift others up.
Can you help? Here are a few resources that
offer a good starting point for you.
Supporting Seniors ... Contact BC211 to volunteer
with the new Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program
Charities/Non-Profits ... check out Charity Village for a variety of opportunities.
Adam Olsen (SȾHENEP) … serves as the Member for
Saanich North and the Islands and Interim Leader for the BC Green Party. Born in Victoria, BC, Adam has lived, worked and played his entire life
on the Saanich Peninsula. He is a member of Tsartlip First Nation (W̱JOȽEȽP), where he and his wife, Emily,
are raising their two children, Silas and Ella.
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