National Volunteer Week is a wonderful opportunity each year to stop and give a nod to the amazing volunteers within our communities who dedicate the precious commodity of time to those who may be facing a challenging period in their lives, or just need someone to care.  The welfare of the families, children and youth is the responsibility of entire communities and we know that over 3,000 individuals in Ontario are volunteering to support them through our child welfare agencies.  That’s a lot of people power!

Over the past year, as with so many aspects of Society, volunteerism has faced challenging times as we navigate through the difficulties that COVID-19 has presented in our day-to-day lives.  Not surprisingly, many of our volunteers have found ways to safely and creatively continue their support of the families, children and youth that we serve, and we could not be more proud or inspired by this support. 

Please join us in thanking our amazing Family and Children’s Services volunteers not only during this National Volunteer Week, but year-round as they continue to go above and beyond to support the work of our agency.

This year, Volunteer Canada has decided to move forward with “The Value of One, The Power of Many” as the official National Volunteer Week theme. What a powerful statement about the incredible contributions of volunteers to organizations and communities across Canada!

“The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.” – Volunteer Canada

At Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County, we couldn’t be more grateful for the time, dedication and passion of our volunteers as they continue support the children, youth and families that we serve in so many powerful ways!

Below, we’ve shared some quotes from our volunteers, clients and staff that speak to the important role that volunteers play at our organization each and every day. Our volunteers have an incredible impact on the children, youth and families we serve, and many of our programs and services wouldn’t run without them!