Volunteers continue to step up in the face of COVID-19

Volunteers across Ontario continue to step up in the face of COVID-19.

A record number of individuals have invested their time, talent and spirit to meet essential needs in food security, health care, seniors’ services and taxation support and continue to support the delivery of social service programs in every corner of this province.

As organizations struggled to adapt, volunteers leaped into action by responding to local needs — organizing, connecting and sharing. Local, grassroots efforts ensured Ontario’s most vulnerable community members were not left behind.

Flamborough Connects is a member of Volunteer Canada, Hamilton Administrators of Volunteers and the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) — the provincial network strengthening the individual and collective ability of Volunteer Centres in Ontario to promote, support and enhance volunteerism.

The reality is that the pandemic has impacted the volunteer infrastructure in Ontario. Ontario volunteers contribute significantly to Ontario’s overall economy and GDP.

Volunteerism plays a critical role in delivering essential programs, building skills and employment and fostering social inclusion.

During the pandemic, one in two organizations laid off or permanently redeployed their volunteer managers. This trend has significantly disrupted volunteer engagement across Ontario as volunteer demand outstrips the supply of available positions.

Over the past 18 months OVCN members have built connections with 4,300 non-profit and 3.3 million volunteer seekers from every demographic and we’re here to work with community partners and the provincial government to ensure we harness the Ontario Spirit as we #BuildBackBetter because every Ontarian benefits from the contribution of volunteers.

During this time of Thanksgiving and as we move into the holiday season, we know what we are grateful for: Ontario’s 5.08 million volunteers and the thousands who support Flamborough non-profit programs, services and organizations.

Flamborough Connects has recently launched a new website with an enhanced community volunteer page. Local organizations can post volunteer opportunities and volunteers can connect. Organizations can also post events and activities. Check us out at www.flamboroughconnects.ca

View this article in The Flamborough Review here!