Let’s consider the benefits of volunteering this National Volunteer Week

Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:14:34 +0000

Source: Volunteer Canada

Every year, National Volunteer Week celebrates the contributions of Canada’s millions of volunteers. This year’s theme, “Volunteering Is Empathy In Action” puts emphasis on the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy.

Volunteering can help us develop empathy and see the world through the eyes of others. It can bring together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences – creating a stronger, more connected Canada.

From making connections in the community to building professional networks, to gaining work experience in the Canadian context to promoting a sense of well-being – immigrants and newcomers can benefit from volunteering in a number of ways.

Make connections in your community: Volunteering can help make social connections and foster friendships. Feeling isolated is one of the challenges of moving to a new country. Volunteering can help you build ties to your new community and broaden your support network. You can meet others with common interests and learn more about your neighbourhood, its resources and many activities. It can help give you a sense of belonging.

Build your professional network: They say “Your network is your net worth.” If you’re looking for career opportunities, volunteering can be a great way of building your network and increasing your knowledge of the job market. Leverage the chance to meet new people and expand your network. Every new person you meet may potentially connect you with other contacts and career opportunities.

Gain work experience in the Canadian context: Newcomers to Canada often find that volunteering gives them the foot in the door they need professionally to address that perplexing clause – “Canadian experience”.  Volunteering is a great opportunity to build your experience in the Canadian workplace. Hiring managers often prefer candidates with local workplace experience. Remember that people you volunteer for can also make excellent references.

Find a sense of well-being: Studies have shown that volunteering can lead to a sense of accomplishment and increase feelings of happiness.  Making meaningful connections in the community can help relieve stress and have a positive impact on your overall well-being and mental health. When you make a contribution through volunteering and receive acknowledgement from others, it can help you feel better emotionally and mentally – thus boosting your self-confidence!

Get started! 

Here is a list of organizations to help you get started.

Volunteer Canada: volunteer.ca

Canadian Red Cross: redcross.ca

Volunteer & Co-op (Peel region): ncpeeel.ca/volunteer.html

Volunteer Toronto: volunteertoronto.ca

Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon): volunteermbc.org

Volunteer Match: volunteermatch.org

Spark Ontario: sparkontario.ca

GoVolunteer (Connecting volunteers with non-profits in B.C): govolunteer.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association: cmha.ca

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