So far 82 local volunteers registered for the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge have logged 1,445.5 hours.
Work by the volunteers, registered through Volunteer Central, has the monetary equivalent of $28,910, said Pam Snowdon, executive director of Volunteer Central.
The goal of the challenge is for Canadians to give back to their community and country in recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary by volunteering 150 hours.
Those who contribute the most hours in each province and territory will be invited to Ottawa to be recognized in a ceremony in early 2018.
Special recognition will be awarded to the new Canadian, aboriginal, youth and senior who contribute the most hours. Participants must be at least 13 years old.
“Nationally we are one of 4,242 organizations that have registered for the challenge. Nationally volunteers have done 677,538 hours,” Snowdon said.
Volunteer Central helps more than 100 non-profits and charities, mostly in Red Deer, connect to volunteers.
She said volunteers in the challenge have been making an impact through several service clubs, community associations and faith groups and more.
“It touches every area of our lives in the community. Without volunteers a lot of things don’t happen.”
To register for the challenge, go to www.volunteercentral.ca.
She said it’s a good time to recognize Canada’s reputation as kind and caring. Volunteering can be a good way for newcomers to the community to find out what is available and make new friends. Volunteering can also help people looking to make a career change.
“There’s that old saying – location, location, location. But we say – connection, connection, connection – because volunteering really helps you make those important connections that can lead to your next opportunity.”
Another campaign underway during June is the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Every $1 donated to a registered Canadian charity on CanadaHelps.org or givingchallenge.ca automatically enters the charity to win a $10,000 donation provided by the GIV3 Foundation.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com