Volunteer Day

Volunteer Day History

International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebrates the contributions of millions of volunteers worldwide and promotes their spirit of volunteerism and commitment to positively impacting society. It serves as a platform to recognize the importance of these volunteers in fostering sustainable development, building strong communities, and responding to humanitarian challenges. This day also aims to inspire more individuals to engage in volunteering activities. It provides the opportunity to highlight the valuable efforts made by volunteers in aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations General Assembly established International Volunteer Day in 1985 in response to a growing global awareness of the importance of volunteerism. Since then, it has been observed in countries worldwide, including Canada. Volunteering in Canada has a rich history and remains an integral part of Canadian culture today. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 12.7 million Canadians volunteered in 2018, contributing over 1.7 billion hours of their time and skills to various initiatives. The country has multiple volunteering opportunities in areas such as health care, education, conservation, and disaster relief efforts, among others.

In Canada, International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5th, offering a chance for Canadians to participate in various events and activities that raise awareness about the value and importance of volunteerism. These events may include community gatherings, award ceremonies that honor outstanding volunteers, and volunteer fairs that showcase different opportunities for involvement. Canadians are encouraged to not only appreciate the efforts of existing volunteers but also explore areas where they could personally contribute their skills and time to help address the pressing needs of the country and its diverse communities.

Facts about Volunteer Day

• The theme for International Volunteer Day in 2024 wasRecognize volunteers' contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023 the theme was The Power of Collective Action: if Everyone did.
• The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others -Mahatms Gandhi.
• The CNCS reports that about 25% of American adults volunteer, which is around 63 million people!
• Young people in Canada are also highly engaged in volunteer activities, with 53% of Canadians aged 15 to 19 participating in volunteer work, contributing an average of 123 hours per year.
• Volunteers in Canada tend to focus their efforts on a few key areas. The highest percentage of volunteers are involved in sports and recreation (32%), followed by social services (29%), and religious organizations (23%).

In the News and Trending in Canada for Volunteer Day

Top things to do in Canada for Volunteer Day

• Donate to reputable charities or organizations that work toward causes you support.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the tags: #TogetherWeCan and #IVD2020.
• Look for local volunteer opportunities in your area, such as food banks, community centers, shelters, or local non-profit organizations. Join a volunteer group or an event to engage in community service and make a difference.
• Use International Volunteer Day as an opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of volunteering and the various opportunities available in your community. Share information and stories about your own experiences volunteering with friends, family, and on social media.