The Holiday Spirit: Giving through Volunteer Work

By: Volunteer Edmonton

Volunteer Edmonton has paired with Edmonton’s Child to bring our readers regular features that address issues of volunteerism. Please look for future articles on our website, EdmontonsChild.com.

During the holiday season, we dig deep into our hearts and pockets to offer our time and money to charitable and nonprofit organizations serving the less fortunate. As the season comes to an end, the need and work doesn’t.

“The holidays remind us of the immense need in the community,” says Janice Bell, director of Volunteer Edmonton. While organizations are thankful for the generosity and support generated during the holiday season, the need for volunteers exists year-round. “There are organizations out there that require volunteers on an ongoing basis both during the holidays and throughout the year. Often people feel moved to give during certain times of year. What we want to do is continue to get the word out that the need continues beyond that.”

Ellen Bremner, agency coordinator of volunteers at Catholic Social Services agrees. “There are some organizations like the Christmas Bureau and festivals which are more set up to handle volunteers who contribute for a short period of time. The majority of organizations are not and this can lead to challenges,” says Bremner.

She acknowledges that the folks who offer to volunteer have their “heart in the right place”, but hopes more people will understand that it can be difficult to take on volunteers if they only have a few days or a week to commit. The challenge to accommodate volunteers for short periods of time often occurs due to the application process—screening, interviewing and training—all of which takes time and are necessary components in ensuring the right people are recruited, especially for organizations that work directly with vulnerable groups, such as children. “We want to make sure we have the right people coming in and that we’re managing the risk involved with bringing in people to work with our clients,” says Bremner. Sometimes that can lead to volunteers being turned away due to the time required to become trained as a volunteer.

“Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find a good fit,” says Bell. “While the need for episodic volunteers is critical to organizations whose mission and projects are time specific, consider the 8,000 nonprofit groups in the Edmonton region – many of whom need volunteers on an ongoing basis. Homelessness, poverty and other issues don’t disappear once the holidays are over. There’s always a need for volunteers to help in various ways in the community,” she explains. All it takes is a few hours a week or month to help make that holiday spirit of giving last throughout the year.

To learn more about volunteerism or how to find volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteeredmonton.com. Volunteer Edmonton is a program of The Support Network. For more information, please contact Evelyn Pham at (780) 732-6655.

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