OTTAWA—The Prime Minister of Canada took time to recognize National Volunteer Week. Trudeau releases a statement to Canadians regarding National Volunteer Week, to take place between April 24, 2022 to April 30, 2022.
The Prime Minister spoke about how, "Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities and organizations across the country. Every year, approximately 24 million Canadians volunteer their time, energy, and experiences to improve the lives of others from coast to coast to coast. During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate Canada's volunteers and thank them for devoting their time.”
Trudeau mentioned this year’s theme, “Volunteering Is Empathy in Action,” and shared how in his view this has been very visible throughout the pandemic. He praised Canadians for practicing empathy and supporting those who need it most, describing their volunteer efforts as caring and compassionate, be it at food banks, delivering food and supplies to seniors, or visiting those who were alone during the pandemic.
His statement also reminded Canadians of the government’s project, creating Canada's Volunteer Awards, which celebrate and recognize the endless hours that volunteers across Canada spend in order to make a difference in their communities. The Prime Minister mentioned how recently, “Canada's Volunteer Awards recently recognized 21 recipients, including Dr. Francis Ho, a lifelong volunteer and family doctor, who was a leading voice in public health education for Asian communities. When the 2022 call for nominations opens this fall, I hope Canadians will take the time to nominate an individual or an organization changing lives and bettering our communities through service.”
Volunteer Canada, an organization that provides leadership and expertise about volunteering, spoke about the empathy that volunteers demonstrate when they help others, and connect people by their actions. “Empathy is a quality that can help people relate to others and build awareness around different experiences. It connects people in ideas and actions and helps create bonds forged in common goals and aspirations.”
Ontario’s Ministry of Education provides all school with the Secondary School Students Volunteer Commitment Guidelines, which promotes volunteerism by making community service part of their curriculum.
Communities across the country, and in each region of the province continue to recognize and support individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate empathy, and compassion by giving of their talents, and time volunteering for groups within their community that are in need.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau closed his statement about National Volunteer Week calling on all Canadians to, “Join me in thanking our volunteers whose service and selflessness play a key role in building a better future for everyone."
