To give is to love
Volunteering is about exchange – of experience, knowledge, service, support, citizenship, care – there is a gain not only for the organization, person or even for the animal, but also for the volunteer. It’s an experience for everyone – regardless of gender, race or ethnicity – which allows them to get to know new realities, engage in a social cause, contribute with their skills, and even develop new competences.
But above all, to be a volunteer is to give, especially love!
In this week’s edition of Milénio Stadium, we had the chance to talk with Volunteer Toronto and we learned a little more about the volunteer services that exist in the GTA. Volunteer Toronto is an organization that helps those looking for volunteering opportunities and, on the other hand, the entities that need volunteers.
Milénio Stadium: How important is volunteer work?
Volunteer Toronto: Volunteering has always been a cornerstone in Canada. It is an opportunity for people to give back to society by donating their free time to help others. Volunteering can grow an individual’s skills, sense of belonging, and connection to their community. There are also incredible benefits to our social services that rely on volunteers. There are 1.6 million volunteers in Toronto who uplift non-profits by helping facilitate services in education, arts and culture, sports and recreation, healthcare, housing, food insecurity, and so many more important sectors. Everyone is impacted by volunteers.
MS: What kind of services does Volunteer Toronto offer?
VT: Volunteer Toronto offers a wide range of services to members of the public looking to find volunteer opportunities as well as non-profit organizations looking to engage volunteers.
For members of the public looking to get involved, Volunteer Toronto provides one-on-one advice over the phone and through email with the support of Volunteer Advisors who can help you search for a role and learn about the application process. Information sessions on how to volunteer during COVID-19 and how to join a Board of Directors are also available for the public.
For non-profits, Volunteer Toronto coaches, trains and assists organizations to help them plan for engagement and recruit volunteers to help deliver their mission.
MS: What type of people/volunteers seek your services?
VT: Volunteers can be any age, gender, ability, or demographic. Everyone can be a volunteer. Your reasons for volunteering, availability, skills and passions will determine which roles are right for you.
Students may be looking to acquire volunteer hours in high school, or as part of education programs at Colleges and Universities. Retired individuals often fill their time giving back to interests that they are passionate about. Newcomers to Canada use volunteering as a way to assimilate into Canadian Society, meet new friends, or to learn a new language as they settle in their new homes.
The range of reasons why people volunteer is wide and deep, and often very personal. Volunteer Toronto helps anyone who wants to become a volunteer.
MS: What type of volunteering is done in the GTA?
VT: Volunteers are active in almost every community in the GTA. They are coaches at youth sport games, friendly visitors for seniors, delivery drivers for Meals on Wheels, mental health call responders, supports at community centres, arts and culture event assistance, and so much more. Many people also volunteer-from-home to deliver virtual programs or communications.
MS: What type of volunteering does the GTA most need?
VT: Right now, there is a shortage of volunteer drivers for food programs in Toronto. More volunteers are needed to deliver food during the day to seniors or people with disabilities who cannot leave their home due to the weather or risk of Covid-19. The need for these volunteers has increased as a result of the pandemic. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please reach out to Volunteer Toronto.
Volunteering needs also vary by season. For example, summer camps and sports programs ramp up in the summer months and require volunteers with a passion in these areas. In the winter, mental health programs need volunteer call responders as they listen and support people in the long and cold January and February months.
MS: Is there anything more that could be done to encourage more people to become volunteers?
VT: Many people have the motivation to give back, but are looking for the perfect role. Sometimes the perfect role isn’t available, especially right now during the pandemic when events and programs are scaled back.
You can follow Volunteer Toronto on social media, or subscribe to our newsletter and Covid-19 Response Team at VolunteerToronto.ca to find out about roles that are recruiting. Asking a friend or family member to join you volunteering is another effective way of getting others involved. As non-profit organizations open up programs and events, they will need more volunteers to ramp up the delivery of services.
Another piece of advice is to apply to multiple roles and not get discouraged if you do not hear back about a specific role. Volunteers are still needed, you just may have to find a role that meets some of your interests, instead of all of them. Remember volunteering is about being what is needed and you may have to consider roles you wouldn’t have initially thought of. We need volunteers to support the needs of the community, such as volunteer drivers, and this is the most meaningful way to give back.
MS: We’re in February, celebrating Black History Month: is there any type of volunteering dedicated to the black community that is most needed right now?
VT: Supporting Black communities, leaders and grassroots organizations is important year-round. During Black History Month, Volunteer Toronto encourages you to take action to support three incredible nonprofits that serve Black individuals and families: Building Black Youth Foundation, Sis To Sis Toronto, and Black Moms Connection.
All three organizations are asking for donations to help deliver programs, connect with more individuals with lived experience, and build long-term stability through buildings and funding that will ensure their community is supported into the future.
Building Black Youth Foundation is also looking for volunteers for a number of roles, including Game Designer, Proposal Writer, Copywriter and Virtual Assistant.
You can apply to these roles and donate to these organizations using this link: https://www.volunteertoronto.ca/blogpost/1302191/435666/Three-Grassroots-Organizations-to-Support-During-Black-History-Month-and-Beyond
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