This year’s theme is “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers.” The province provided $65,000 to Volunteer Alberta to support 77 applications for community celebrations to recognize volunteers. Instead of gatherings and events, communities have alternate plans to mark the seven-day salute to volunteerism. These local efforts also help encourage volunteerism.

“Volunteers are at the heart of Alberta communities, supporting recreational, cultural and social programs that enhance our quality of life. In these unprecedented times, they are also the foundation of our COVID-19 pandemic response. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and acts of kindness from so many volunteers helping their neighbours stay connected and feel supported during this challenging time. Let’s join together to celebrate and thank them during National Volunteer Week and encourage others to explore volunteerism.”

Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women

Celebrate Alberta’s volunteers while physical distancing

  • Highlight individuals, teams or projects by sharing volunteer stories through video and photos on social media or other platforms.
  • Email a volunteer with a personalized thank you or provide gift cards for takeout as a token of recognition.
  • Write a reference letter for a volunteer who is applying for a job, internship or school program.
  • Nominate an outstanding volunteer for an award such as Stars of Alberta to formally recognize their efforts.

Volunteers are the foundation for many community organizations with limited or no paid staff. Alberta has more than 26,400 non-profit organizations and, each year, more than 1.6 million Albertans provide more than 262 million volunteer hours to support the non-profit and voluntary sector at a value of $5.6 billion.

The province also provides ongoing support through funding, organizational and leadership development supports for non-profit and voluntary sector organizations. Volunteer recognition programs such as the Stars of Alberta also provide annual recognition of Alberta’s exceptional volunteers.