Why Do You Volunteer?
On Saturday April 23, 2022, Community Volunteer Connections held its Spring Volunteer Job Fair at the Coquitlam Public Library. The event was held to introduce adults 19 years and older to twelve local charities looking to meet volunteers and talk about what their organizations do. It was a success with over 150 people attending the Fair!
This was a kick-off event for the National Volunteer Week in Canada April 24-30, 2022, and this year’s theme was Empathy in Acton. As Volunteer Canada states, “Volunteers Bring Heart to Canada’s Communities” and affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. “This profoundly human connection is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.”
One thing we wanted to know from those attending the Spring Volunteer Job Fair was why they volunteer. What draws a person to donating their time and talent to a cause? So, with the help of a stack of sticky notes and pens, we asked the question “Why Do You Volunteer?”
The answers were as diverse as the organizations at the Fair and the public attending. Here are some of the responses. Do any of them resonate with you? Why do you volunteer?
- Be a part of the community and for respect to the people who gave me help and support.
- I like to volunteer because it’s fun!
- I am volunteering to better our community and, in the process, get more hours to graduate.
- To gain experience.
- To make new friends.
- Practice English and prepare for finding a job.
- I am retired and would like to use my time to support others.
- To be involved in the community, and help others learn things.
- I want to be useful.
- To ‘give back’ in a meaningful way and continue my lifelong learning journey.
- I volunteer to help others and share my time to support people and organizations I believe in.
- To be part of the community in an active way.
- I volunteer with environmental and conservation organizations to ensure a better future for people and the planet!
- Because I want to leave my mark on the world.
- To feel like a useful member of the community.
- To give back and connect
- To show peace and kindness
- Spend my time productively
- To help others and share my experiences with others.
- To work on my social and networking skills
- I like helping!
- I want to learn more to help me prepare for a job and I want to help my community.
- I want to help those in need.
- To help others and get out of the house more.
Community Volunteer Connections believes that volunteers, and organizations that support volunteerism, make a difference in the world.
Volunteers improve the health and well-being of communities by serving the needs of all people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Do you believe in volunteers and the work we do at Community Volunteer Connections? Please consider supporting us through a donation.