HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-027 - National Volunteer WeekREPORT
Report To: Kitchener City Council
Date of Meeting: April 6, 2009
Submitted By: Mark Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and
Services, Community Services Department (x 2687}
Prepared By: Janice Ouellette, Facilitator, Volunteer Resources &
Community Engagement (x 2227}
Ward(s~ Involved: All
Date of Report: March 30, 2009
Report No.: CSD-09-027
Subject: NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK -APRIL 19 - 25, 2009
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
BACKGROUND:
In Canada, the first National Volunteer Week took place from September 12t" to 30t", 1943. In
1990, Volunteer Canada proclaimed the third week in April to be National Volunteer Week in all
communities across Canada. In 2009, National Volunteer Week will be celebrated April 19t" -
25t".
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. This year, Volunteer Canada has chosen the theme of "Volunteers. From
Compassion to Action" to honour the 11.8 million Canadian volunteers who give their time to
help others, contributing almost two billion volunteer hours per year.
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 8,000 volunteers generously contribute to the health of the City of Kitchener
programs and affiliated community groups. These initiatives include:
• A Volunteer Social on April 16t"for volunteers that contribute to our Adults 50+ programs.
• The distribution of volunteer recognition pins in April and throughout the year to all
individuals who volunteer in our facilities and programs.
• Active participation in the community-wide "Volunteer Spirit" Ribbon Campaign.
• The placement of a display ad in a special advertising section appearing in The Record.
• Notices in Spring Leisure Guide, and Best of Times Newsletter for Adults 50+.
• Volunteer Week promotional advertising on posters and notepads to city facilities and staff.
• A Volunteer display in the Rotunda display cabinets.
• The placement of thank you messages on street/facility signs, voice mail and email
messages.
• Participation by the the City of Kitchener's Coordinator of Volunteers as a member of the
National Volunteer Week Committee of the Volunteer Action Centre VAC}. This committee
plans a variety of recognition opportunities for volunteers of member agencies of VAC.
• The development of a salute to City of Kitchener volunteers on VAC Website during
Volunteer week.
• Access from the VAC National Volunteer Week Committee to donated volunteer recognition
items including an open house tour of the K-W Art Gallery, flowers from Raymonds Flower
Shop (chosen by a random draw}, $8 admission to the Andy Warhol Factory display at The
Children's Museum during Volunteer Week, $2 fare on the Waterloo Central Railway from
Waterloo to St. Jacobs on April 18t" or 25t", City of Kitchener gift certificates, Your Kitchener
Market coupons, Doon Valley and Rockway Golf green fee passes, Joseph Schneider Haus
Museum and Gallery reduced admissions passes, Homer Watson Gallery passes, chocolate
bars from Ten Thousand Villages, one St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid course,
tickets to Possible Worlds, a play presented by Lost and Found Theatre, and gift certificates
from Caffe Gallery Bolero, East Side Mario's, Boston Pizza, Montana's Cookhouse and
Moose Winooski's.
New This Year
• Internal Button campaign: City staff who volunteers with City or other community programs,
clubs or agencies will be asked to register their volunteer activities with Volunteer
Resources. They will receive a button that says "I Volunteer, Ask me Where" to wear during
National Volunteer Week and will be encouraged to share their volunteer experience with
other staff.
• Production of our Volunteer Appreciation slideshow to be used at various venues and
events through National Volunteer Week to celebrate and motivate.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Expenses related to National Volunteer Week are funded through an existing operating budget.
CONCLUSION:
National Volunteer Week provides 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
Director, Community Programs & Services