My Own "National Volunteer Week" Thank You!

So after months of preparation, promotion and hard work, National Volunteer Week has come to an end. As a first time co-ordinator of such a campaign I must state that I had little idea as to how a campaign of this type would evolve. Who could we reach, how could we reach them and what would be the ultimate message received. I must say that despite hours upon hours of worrying I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of NVW. From the small scale celebrations in our communities to larger more national recognition such as that from the House of Commons, our incredible country has once again proved the size of our hearts by embracing NVW and ensuring that we show the volunteers of our country their worth.

To me, volunteerism is so much more than taking a day to give back, volunteers are the thread in the fabric of our country. In my life they have been coaches, directors, fellow actors and musicians, fellow builders, organizers, managers, nurses, teachers, mentors and life-changers. When I think back to pivotal moments in my life I see the efforts of volunteers around the perimeter of my personal existence and the mark they've left is beautiful.

The age of thirteen is already awkward year. Thirteen means high school, more responsibility, social pressure and for us young women the peak of our physical maturation. Needless to say, this tall, socially awkward and very insecure girl from a small town was less than excited to jump into this new stage of my life, especially since I would be attending a brand new school, in a new city, knowing absolutely no one. Despite my concerns and the potential for disaster here, it was this year that my life was changed and I was pointed on the road that would ultimately shape my adult life. A teacher at our school had offered his time and expertise in the sport of rowing, a sport that is best practiced at 5am, for up to 5 hours a day and conditions (some mornings) that one can only compare with that of "The Tempest". He was there every morning with his cup of coffee, motivation, encouragement, guidance and most importantly patience. Our coach, gave up time with his wife, time he should have been grading papers, creating lesson plans or SLEEPING, to guide his athletes down a path that has lead the majority of us lucky ones in incredible directions.

This National Volunteer Week, I specifically want to thank Cam Jones who served as a mentor and taught a young 13 year old about perseverance, passion and dedication; traits which I call upon daily and have guided me through a Canadian National Championship, as an NCAA rower and now as the Campaign Coordinator of National Volunteer Week.

The efforts of volunteers have a butterfly effect that can only better our communities and ultimately the lives touched by the hands of volunteerism. Those who benefit from the hours of Canada's volunteers are millions and I know I speak for them when I extend my own gratitude for their efforts.

Thank you Canada for your time, your effort and skills. Thank you for reaching out, being passionate and taking action in areas that you believe in. It is because of you that we live in such an incredible country and not only this past week, but all 365 days know that your efforts are not forgotten, but celebrated by us lucky ones who reap the rewards of your work.

Sincerely,

Kate Brownlee

Volunteers: All Around You

National Volunteer Week 2010

I think that it is safe to say that we have had an amazing National Volunteer Week this year! Thank you to all who participated, helped spread the message and said thank you to our amazing Canadian volunteers!

HAPPY NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!

CARD Takes the Reigns on Celebrating Volunteerism

CARD, or the Community Association for Riding for the Diasabled, has been bettering the quality of lives of Canadians since 1969. Their therapeutic riding programs benefit riders who seek physical or cognitive therapies,or have a variety of disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. CARD's programs are both diverse and unique as they combine the fields of psycho-education, rehabilitation, medicine, and adapted sport in their therapeutic programs. Their work combines a love for horseback riding with a passion for bringing light into the hearts of those benefitting from their programs.

CARD, is an organization that relies heavily on its volunteers and without them it would be substantially more difficult to continue to offer such an incredible opportunity to so many people living with disabilities.

On Friday April 16, Judy Wanless, CARD's Director of Volunteer Services came out to help celebrate National Volunteer Week with the Volunteer Canada and Power of the Hour team. As an incredible volunteer herself, Judy understands the importance of volutneering in our communities and how the efforts of Canada's 12.5 million volunteers help keep our social services alive!

From Volunteer Canada to CARD, we want to wish you a very Happy National Volunteer Week and say thank you for everything you do to better the quality of lives of your riders!

To hear more about what Judy had to say about her incredible organization and volutneerism check out the link below,

http://blog.powerofthehour.ca/2010/04/12-year-old-fundraiser-extraordinare-ceo-hit-up-bay-street-for-volunteer-hours/

Canadian Blood Services Kicks off National Volunteer Week

Canadian Blood Services is a vital component of Canada’s health care system. A not-for-profit, charitable organization, its sole mission is to manage the supply of blood and blood products across the country’s provinces and territories except Quebec.

Last year more than 17,000 volunteers gave over 200,000 hours of their time at Canadian Blood Services. The agency’s theme this year is “Because of one, lives can be saved.” The theme captures the impact each volunteer has made to Canadian Blood Services and how vital volunteer involvement is to the organization.

With the help and skill of its volunteers, Canadian Blood Services collected over 1,000,000 units of whole blood, platelets and plasma, which were used to improve or save the lives of countless Canadians across our great nation.

Volunteers such as Lisa McKay, who is a true example of turning compassion into action! Lisa, whose daughters’ life was saved by an intrauterine blood transfusion, volunteers by speaking and passing along her story of one how stranger’s gift can truly save a life.

Canadian Blood Services is showing their appreciation this National Volunteer Week by celebrating the efforts of their volunteers who have donated their time, energy and skill this past year.

From Volunteer Canada and the rest of our nation we wish to forward our thanks to the incredible volunteers of Canadian Blood Services.

Volunteer Canada and Power of the Hour take over King and Bay

Today, in the heart of the financial district at King and Bay - Volunteer Canada and Power of the Hour took our message of celebrating volunteerism to the downtown Toronto public. Armed with signs, balloons, schwag, and a camera crew - we took to the streets to have conversations about volunteering, have people pledge their volunteer hours for 2010 and say thank you to the volunteers who help shape their lives 365 days a year.

National Volunteer Week starts this Sunday April 18 and the King and Bay takeover helped us kick off what promises to be a week long celebration of the effort, skills and time given by the 12.5 million volunteers across Canada.

See www.getinvolved.ca for more information or connect with Volunteer Canada on our FACEBOOK page!

Volunteers: All Around You

Make sure to see the video everyone in the Volutnary sector is talking about!!!

Volunteers: All Around you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37g0tQHhds