NEWS RELEASE
PIN - THE PEOPLE AND INFORMATION NETWORK
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National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an opportunity to appreciate volunteers and highlight the impact of their support.
In 2021, NVW takes place April 18 through April 24 with the theme of ‘The Value of One, The Power of Many’ and honours the millions of Canadians who make a difference through individual and collective volunteerism and civic participation.
On behalf of the PIN - The People and Information, formerly the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington, we say thank you to each and every individual who over this past year volunteered informally to sew masks, painted gratitude rocks, organized drive by birthday wishes, called a neighbour and more along with formal roles where volunteers packed and delivered food to those in need, answered the call to be a distress line volunteer, assisted virtually with technology, wrote notes of hope, led through their role on a Board of Directors along with the myriad of volunteer positions that were altered to meet the need in community.
“For volunteerism, the pandemic was a caution and a call to action,” says Kim Cusimano, executive director, “initially as community programs, services and events closed and cancelled, volunteer roles were put on hiatus; for volunteers considered to be at risk (over 70 years old, health conditions), volunteering was no longer an option” Kim continues, “however the need for volunteers was very present. Food security, mental health and supporting through virtual volunteer roles grew. As nonprofits and charities continue to assess and safely adapt, the need for volunteers will continue to grow.”
“Volunteerism builds community” says Cusimano, “when you volunteer, you are making a choice on the kind of community you want to live, work and play in.” Kim continues “the benefits of volunteering are immense; from supporting a passion, a cause or a pandemic to building networks, skills and experience to meeting new people, being connected to others and finding meaning and purpose through giving of one’s gifts of time, talents and spirit is powerful.” When communities harness that power, everyone benefits.
Since 2001, PIN seeks to harness that power, to inspire and to support individuals to find a meaningful volunteer match. “Volunteers bring change, through individual actions and collective efforts. At PIN, we believe that everyone has something to contribute to our community and that contribution is good for individuals, good for community and good for business.” shares Kim.
PIN invites our community to extend gratitude and show appreciation to volunteers. Personally thank and collectively recognize the powerful impact of volunteers. “Volunteers are a powerhouse; across Canada, volunteers contribute 2 billion hours, over 155 million dollars’ worth of their time” says Cusimano, “climate action, no poverty, mentoring, peer support, literacy, transportation, animal services and so much more, volunteerism is a resource to be treasured, nourished and recognized.”
Join PIN and share appreciation during National Volunteer Week! In addition to the annual ‘Caring Community Card’, an appreciation card with exclusive offers for volunteers from community minded business, the PIN team will again host the annual ‘Time To Give’ Community event. This year, a local virtual celebration of volunteerism and community with Cathy Taylor, the inaugural Executive Director of the Volunteer Centre and current Executive Director of the Ontario Nonprofit Network along with Paula Speevak, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada. ‘Celebrating volunteerism and our 20th Anniversary; reflecting on the past and embracing the future.’ Learn more at PINnetwork.ca
In addition, says Cusimano, “while in person appreciation events continue to not be an option, our community can show its gratitude through virtual thanks. Visit Volunteer Canada and use the creatives – couplet, colouring page or illustration canvas to express what ‘The Value of One, The Power of Many’ means to you. Use the hashtag #NVW2021, #VolunteersBringChange and tag @PINnetworkGW on social media.”
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