April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week (NVW), a time to recognize the contributions made by volunteers across the country.
Volunteering gives people a unique opportunity to do good, while feeling good. That combination may be a reason why so many Canadians—over 11 million, according to Statistics Canada—are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to helping others.
Volunteers play an important role in society and volunteering also provides some unexpected benefits to do-gooders, such as improved interpersonal skills and new relationships. World Vision Canada is a huge beneficiary of the volunteering spirit. Currently, over 500 people volunteer with the organization doing everything from advocating on behalf of children to traveling overseas to assist with development work.
So as NVW approaches, World Vision Canada takes a moment to say “Thank You!” to its many volunteers, who have generously donated their time and skills to help people in need.
Three Canadians Who Helped Out
Name: Estefania Morales
Hometown: Scarborough, Ont.
Volunteer Experience: Estefania has been a Special Events Volunteer for the last three years, and uses her time and talent to assist at World Vision event booths.
Benefits: The Ryerson University student, who moved to Canada from Ecuador seven years ago, wants to be a light in the lives of people. “I decided I want to be a candle and I am grateful to World Vision for the opportunity to be one.”
Name: Peter Devette
Hometown: Chilliwack, B.C.
Volunteer Experience: After taking part in the Destination Life Change trip to Rwanda last year, Peter saw how little children in that country had and was inspired to promote the mission of World Vision. He held a demolition sale—selling the contents of a house about to be demolished—with all proceeds going to the organization's development work.
Benefits: Peter’s trip to Rwanda touched his heart and moved him to take action. Attendees to his demolition sale have been supportive of his efforts to make a difference in the lives of Rwandan children.
Name: Rhiann Forster
Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.
Volunteer Experience: Rhiann volunteered at the One Life Experience Tour in Winnipeg and enjoyed it so much that she signed up for three additional shifts and then volunteered at the exhibits in Calgary, Regina and Edmonton.
Benefits: “The World Vision staff was amazing,” says Rhiann, “I learned a lot from them. I loved how energetic, encouraging and grateful they were. I feel like I’ve really found a place where I belong.”
Volunteering with World Vision is an experience to remember. For more information about getting involved, click here.
