On April 20, 2025, the Toronto Star highlighted tough decisions for Torontonians looking to volunteer who are also facing financial hardship in the current economic climate. Excerpts from the article are included below:

Joanne McKiernan, Volunteer Toronto’s Executive Director, knows the drop in volunteers is not because people have lost interest. With a global trade war escalating at a time when many were already facing a cost of living crisis, she understands that people who want to give their time are having to make a “tough” decision.

“There’s a privilege to having the time and capacity to participate in things that are not paid.”

While McKiernan and other personal financial advisers acknowledge that it can be overwhelming trying to prioritize making ends meet while also giving back to your community, they stress that there are ways to balance your desire to help with your need to take care of your own financial well-being...Volunteering an hour or two every week at your local food bank is incredibly generous — but it’s not always realistic.

The more important thing, McKiernan says, is to stay connected with your community to know what is needed when you’re ready to volunteer again.

“Read your city councillor emails. Attend a community event. Join a neighbourhood Facebook group. And when you feel that connection and you see those needs in the local community … get involved.”