NEWS RELEASE
PEOPLE INFORMATION NETWORK
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Canada’s largest celebration of volunteers! National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an opportunity to appreciate volunteers and highlight the impact of their support. In 2018, NVW takes place April 15 to April 21 and honours the 12.7 million Canadians who make a difference through volunteerism and civic participation.
This year, Volunteer Canada’s theme is: “Celebrate the Value of Volunteering – building confidence, competence, connections and community”. Volunteering is often seen as a selfless act; a person gives their time, skills, experience, and passion to help others, without expecting anything in return. And while volunteering is a form of service, many volunteers will tell you that “you get more than you give”.
From opportunities to develop new skills, to finding deep and meaningful personal connections, the magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all.
On behalf of PIN, The People and Information Network (formerly the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington), we say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who give the gifts of time, compassion, energy and more to our community. From coaches to youth mentors, visitors to leaders, special event coordinators and more, the spirit and integral work of volunteers make an impact in the way we live, work and play.
Setting the stage of appreciation locally is the ‘Caring Community Card’, an initiative to express gratitude with exclusive perks for volunteers. For more than six years, PIN, The People and Information Network has partnered with several local community-minded businesses and organizations to show their appreciation for all that volunteers do to brighten our community.
The cards, which are available to volunteers of PIN member agencies, feature benefits and discounts from businesses and organizations for the month of April in Guelph and Wellington County.
“The Caring Community Cards provide an opportunity to appreciate volunteers for the great work they do in our communities as well as highlight community-minded businesses who value the contributions of volunteers” says Kim Cusimano, Communications and Program Coordinator at PIN.
Perfect for celebrating the impact of volunteerism in the community, the Annual ‘Time To Give’ Community Breakfast will be held on Thursday, April 19 and will explore “Why Community Matters”.
PIN’s Volunteer Network, Community Information and Nonprofit Leadership pillars are the foundation of their work and will be highlighted through guest keynotes by Emma Rogers, recipient of the Guelph Mayor Awards 2017 and team member of the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin; Faed Hendry, Findhelp Toronto and Peter Barrow, recipient of the Guelph Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award.
You can also take part in celebrating volunteers during NVW. We encourage you to take advantage of this special week to recognize the volunteers in your life for their dedication and the impact they have in Guelph and Wellington. Thank a volunteer in person, or by using the hashtag #GratitudeGW.
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