National Volunteer Week

April 10 - April 16, 2011

National Volunteer Week is a special time set aside annually in April to honour volunteers for the time and energy they contribute across our country.

National Volunteer Week 2011 DATE CHANGE! 

Because of National Volunteer Week next year falling on the same week as Easter, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, etc., Points of Light Institute and Volunteer Canada have officially changed the dates of National Volunteer Week 2011 to the second week of April, April 10 - 16, to avoid conflicts with religious celebrations. Please amend your web site and any other communications to be consistent with the official dates.

How did the Week begin?
National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943. In Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver, Women's Voluntary Services organized special events to draw the public's attention to the vital contribution women made to the war effort on the home front.

In the late 1960s, the idea of a designated week to honor volunteers was revived, and the focus was broadened to include all community volunteers. With local volunteers centres taking the lead, this special week grew in importance during the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1990, the third week in April was proclaimed National Volunteer Week in all communities across the country.