Happy National Volunteer Week!

I'm proud to be a Volunteer.  

Here are a few quick facts:

• Canada has 12 million volunteers
• They help more than 160,000 organizations in our country
• Their contributions generate $112 billion for the economy
• Over 2 billion hours are donated each year by volunteers
• Volunteers exist in virtually every industry (health care, disaster relief, animal welfare, education, sports, etc)
• Many volunteer to meet new people, develop skills,  & better their communities 
• Researchers have found that people who volunteer tend to have a lower rate of premature death, & a lower risk of heart disease.

Companies are recognizing the benefit of volunteering to the overall health of their employees & communities.  Many employers are starting volunteer involvement programs which will give staff time off of work to help charitable organizations.  

  

Source:  http://volunteer.ca