Recognizing volunteer super-heroes
National Volunteer Week celebrates passion, action and impact of Canadian volunteers; ABC Life Literacy Canada congratulates literacy volunteers across the country
(Toronto, ON, April 11, 2011) – National Volunteer Week takes place across Canada from April 10 to 16, paying tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and energy. Volunteers are vital to effecting positive change, and act as the feet to the bodies of organizations that help them to move forward.
The literacy field is one that relies heavily on dedicated volunteers. From administrative staff to program coordinators and tutors, literacy groups are fortunate to have committed volunteers that help run programs. In a nation where approximately nine million Canadians, age 16 to 65, struggle with low literacy, these volunteers are key to improving the literacy levels of Canadians, which ultimately improves Canada’s economy and competitiveness, as well as the health and happiness of families and communities.
Volunteers in the literacy field nurture positive two-way relationships that help develop new skills, increase self-esteem, and strengthen the community. Knowledge is a valuable gift that can be shared with one another, to improve lives and build an engaged global society.
“You see self-confidence [improve], you see pride. It’s beautiful,” says Paula Karosas, a volunteer tutor with The Learning Centre Literacy Association in Edmonton, Alberta. “Literacy is so important. It’s like water — it’s a need.”
This year’s 68th annual National Volunteer Week theme is super-heroes. It was first proclaimed in 1943 to praise the women that helped during the war, and the celebration has since come a long way. Today, there are 12.5 million Canadians that volunteer with charitable and non-profit organizations across different industries (Canadian Survey of Giving, Volunteering & Participating, 1997). Fifty-four per cent of all charitable and non-profit organizations rely on the help of volunteer staff (National Survey of Non-Profit & Voluntary Organizations, Statistics Canada, 2005).
ABC Life Literacy Canada would like to thank all of the literacy super-heroes for their effort and dedication.
To find out where you can become a literacy volunteer, visit LookUnderLearn.ca and search for your local literacy program.
For more information, visit National Volunteer Week, and find a free Thank You e-card.
Get discounted media with the media sale!
