Honouring acts of kindness in Alberta

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 18 to 24. Across the country, communities are recognizing the vibrancy and impact of volunteerism in people’s lives and honouring those who give their time and energy.

Without volunteers, Alberta’s non-profit organizations would not exist. Whether it’s coaching soccer, counselling people in crisis, delivering food to the homeless, or contributing to a local bake sale, volunteers are essential to our province.

Albertans are facing more challenges than ever before, but that has not stopped their generous spirit. From seniors to the very young, from recent immigrants to Alberta-born, Alberta’s volunteers reflect the rich diversity of the province with volunteers representing every demographic group. Volunteers are in every community, faith group and culture from those who have just arrived in our beautiful province to our first people who have been here for thousands of years.

With so many Albertans looking to volunteer, the Alberta government partnered with Propellus to launch the Alberta Cares Connector. In 2020, it linked over 2.21 million Albertans searching for volunteer opportunities to over 75,000 volunteer positions across the province.

Alberta’s government also celebrates volunteers year-round with programs like the Stars of Alberta awards and the Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition program, giving Albertans the chance to say thank you to volunteers who are making a difference in their communities in a variety of ways – big and small.

Our strong culture of caring has been elevated over the past year with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds stepping forward to help their friends and neighbours. National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to thank volunteers and celebrate the life-changing impact of their collective efforts.

Thank volunteers safely

• Nominate an outstanding youth, adult or senior volunteer in your community for a Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award.
• Recognize an everyday hero through the Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program.
• Highlight individuals, teams or projects by sharing volunteer stories through video and photos on social media or other platforms.
• Email a volunteer with a personalized thank you or provide gift cards for takeout as a token of recognition.
• Write a reference letter for a volunteer who is applying for a job, internship or school program.

To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit the Alberta Cares Connector at volunteerconnector.org

Did you know?

• Alberta's voluntary sector consists of more than 26,400 organizations and registered charities.
• The sector employs more than 280,000 Albertans and accounts for $5.5 billion in gross domestic product annually.
• Albertans’ volunteer efforts supporting non-profit organizations are an estimated contribution of roughly $5.6 billion in labour.
• Alberta has one of the highest rates of volunteerism in Canada with 50% of adult Albertans volunteering, which surpasses the national average of 44%.