National Volunteer Week in Alberta - April 15 to 21, 2012
Volunteer Week Participating Communities 2012
April 15 to 21 is National Volunteer Week and across the province, special events will be held to pay tribute to Alberta's "every day heroes" - the tens of thousands of volunteers at work in our communities. This year, 150 communities will host events in celebration of National Volunteer Week and all Albertans are encouraged to take a moment to thank their own local heroes.
The theme of National Volunteer Week 2012, "Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact." speaks to the commitment and dedication of volunteers as they help to build safe, welcoming and inclusive communities and an even better Alberta. The seven days of National Volunteer Week also provide an opportunity for all Albertans to explore opportunities to get involved in projects and ongoing programs and services that matter to them.
Volunteers, directly and indirectly, touch the lives of almost every Albertan and are involved in virtually every aspect of community life. From sport and recreation to the arts and vital services to youth, families and our most vulnerable citizens, volunteers help to make possible programs and services valued at an estimated $9.6 billion per year.
The diversity of our province is seen in those who make up the family of volunteers as citizens come together to achieve common goals. Stepping up to make a difference are the young and young at heart, Albertans born and raised and new Canadians who have chosen our province as their home.
Volunteers are teacher assistants, advocates, researchers, policy makers, fundraisers and councillors. They are found in hospitals and on playing fields, in seniors' drop-in centres and in youth camps. Their work enhances the quality of life for the physically and the mentally challenged and helps new Albertans find their way in a new land. They are the strength - the backbone - of our communities and our province.
First proclaimed in 1943 in the midst of World War II, National Volunteer Week recognized the volunteer efforts of women on the home front. Designated internationally in the third or fourth week of April each year, this special week has grown to become Canada's largest nation-wide celebration of civic participation.
Local, regional, national and international events intended to involve all aspects of the community are held throughout the week to increase awareness of the important role of volunteers and nonprofit voluntary organizations and to encourage volunteerism in our communities. Volunteer development opportunities are offered and local, national and international volunteer efforts are showcased.
Through a unique partnership, Culture and Community Services and Volunteer Alberta help to facilitate a provincial focus to Volunteer Week in Alberta with the province providing funding, administered by Volunteer Alberta, in support of local events marking National Volunteer Week. While Albertans are encouraged to support and recognize volunteers all year long, Volunteer Week is truly a time to come together as a province to remember the impact of the nonprofit voluntary sector as a whole and the role of individual volunteers in our communities.
