Happy National Volunteer Week!

This year's theme, Volunteers Make Waves is about volunteers contributing to making a change, no matter how small or big - the actions of the collective come together to create a wave of change in our community. Volunteers and volunteering are an important aspect of community, often filling the gaps and allowing communities to come together to create change.

The benefits and experiences of getting involved in community, in whatever way you can, creates opportunities to unite people across the city and make a real difference in the lives of those who need assistance. Volunteers do so much for our community, and it starts with the organizers and voices who want and are willing to do what it takes to create effective change.

We sat down with Roshini Mathews, a former volunteer and Engagement and Outreach Coordinator here at Volunteer Toronto. Roshini's work and dedication have created a wave of change, and here's why: 

What was your favourite part of hosting fairs?
"The best part is helping people connect by bringing volunteer seekers and organizations together, with face-to-face interactions and re-forging relationships. You must be there to see and feel the energy in those spaces! We received positive feedback from attendees and volunteer managers about the fairs and how much it helped many of them recruit volunteers. Observing organizations interact with the public to recruit volunteer seekers and volunteer managers networking with each other... The synergy is inspiring!"

What was your biggest takeaway?
"I strongly believe in 'Being what's needed.' Between supporting the needs of the non-profit community that depend on volunteers for their work and the people looking for volunteer opportunities, it tells us that people need community - to thrive, to believe in and feel like they belong. And for all of us at Volunteer Toronto to be that bridge to help connect and bring them together is something aspiring. That there is always something to learn from each other."

Why do you think the fairs were important for our community?
"The volunteer fairs were a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together. This was needed, especially after COVID-19 where people felt disconnected and were still looking for ways to find connection within the community. Adapting to a new normal, especially in our sector, has been challenging not just for volunteers but also staff at nonprofits."

Feeling inspired? Start searching for volunteering opportunities here!