Volunteerism in Ontario

Each year, over five million Ontarians volunteer in communities across Ontario.  Many of these volunteers come from and support activities and organizations within rural Ontario.  During April’s National Volunteer Week we have the opportunity to recognize the impact that these volunteers have across the sector and in rural communities across the province and beyond.  At this time and throughout the year we need to remember to say THANKS for the time, talent and energy of the many volunteers who give so much to support causes across the rural landscape.

Of note its also important to recognize the youth component of these significant provincial volunteer numbers.  These young people really are the next generation of volunteers in the province of Ontario.  With this in mind, and in an effort to strengthen the not-for-profit sector and encourage the tradition of volunteerism in this next generation, the Ontario government is challenging young people across Ontario to "change the world"!  The fourth annual ‘ChangeTheWorld – Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge’ kicked off last week and runs to May 1, 2011. 

ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge is a three-week campaign with one goal - get high school teens to volunteer in their community.  This year in partnership with the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network, 21 volunteer centres will coordinate events for students ages 14 to 18 in communities across Ontario. 

For more information on ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge, check out http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/changetheworld/index.shtml

Volunteers young and old ARE the backbone of our many organizations within agriculture and rural Ontario.  Have you thanked one today?

Rob Black
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Ontario Institute