HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-051 - National Volunteer Week - April 23-29, 2006
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Community Services
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Community Services Committee
April 10, 2006
Mark Hildebrand, Interim Director of Community Programs
and Services, Community Services Department (x 2687)
Jo-Ann Hutchison, Facilitator, Volunteer Resources &
Community Engagement (x 2227)
All
April 4, 2006
CSD-06-051
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK - APRIL 23- 29,2006
RECOMMENDATION:
For information only.
BACKGROUND:
In Canada, the first National Volunteer Week took place from September 12th to 30th, 1943. It
was designated by the War Services Department of the federal government and organized by
the Women's Voluntary Services to enlist women for wartime voluntary service. In the late
1960's, the idea of a designated week to honour volunteers was revived and the focus
broadened to include all volunteers. In 1990, Volunteer Canada proclaimed the third week in
April to be National Volunteer Week in all communities across Canada.
In 2006, National Volunteer Week is being celebrated from April 23rd to April 29th. Once again,
Volunteer Canada has chosen the theme of "Volunteers Grow Community" because many
people have commented on its appropriateness for this springtime celebration.
On a national level, Volunteer Canada promotes National Volunteer Week through the Canada
Volunteerism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada and with the generous support of
Investors Group.
REPORT:
On a local and corporate level, the City of Kitchener is implementing the following initiatives in
celebration of National Volunteer Week and in recognition of the countless hours that
approximately 7,000 volunteers generously contribute to the health of the City of Kitchener
programs and affiliated community groups:
Report No. CSD-06-051
Page 2
· Volunteer Social on April 11th for volunteers that contribute to City programs for Adults 50+
· Distribution of volunteer recognition pins
· Participation in the community-wide "Volunteer Spirit" Ribbon Campaign
· Placement of a display ad in a special advertising section that appears in The Record
· Notices in Spring Leisure Guide, Best of Times Newsletter for Adults 50+, and Mayor's
message in March/April issue of Your Kitchener.
· Hanging of banners/posters in City facilities
· Display in Rotunda Display cabinets
· Message about Volunteer Week on City of Kitchener pay stubs
· Postage dye that says "Thank You Volunteers" on all outgoing City mail during April
· Thank you messages on street/facility signs, voice mail and email messages
· The Facilitator of Volunteer Resources & Community Engagement was a member of the
National Volunteer Week Committee of the Volunteer Action Centre for Kitchener-Waterloo
and Area (VAC). This committee consists of staff from community agencies and
municipalities in the area. Its mandate is to plan a variety of recognition opportunities for
volunteers of member agencies of the Volunteer Action Centre
· Nomination of volunteers for awards offered by V AC National Volunteer Week Committee
such as "Floral Bouquets", "Rogers Cable 20 Volunteer Salutes" & "News 570 Radio Spot"
· As well, the National Volunteer Week Committee offers a package of donated volunteer
recognition items to its member agencies including tickets to local theatrical & musical
performances, gardening workshops, coffee coupons, and passes to local attractions such
as the Waterloo Regional Children's Museum and Joseph Schneider Haus. The City of
Kitchener contributed to this package by offering 40 coupons for a complimentary lunch at
Your Kitchener Market, 40 free passes to each of the following events at The Aud: "I Love
Country Craft & Collectable Show" and the Alliance Cheer Nationals.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Expenses related to National Volunteer Week are funded through an existing operating budget
and total $4,500.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Corporate Communications helps to promote National Volunteer Week in the following ways:
· Information in March/April issue of Your Kitchener
· Creation of display advertisement for special advertising supplement in the Record
· Creation of resources such as volunteer pins, thank you cards, and other materials
· Notices in "Leisure Guide" and "Best of Times" Newsletter for Adults 50+
CONCLUSION:
National Volunteer Week provides us with a wonderful opportunity to thank the many devoted
volunteers who contribute countless hours, energy, and enthusiasm to the community. They
make Kitchener a great place to live, work, and play.
Mark Hildebrand
Interim Director, Community Programs & Services
AP