Volunteers across Canada make an incredible impact, and this Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to join them.
Life is busy with work deadlines, family commitments, and everything in between. But giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. Across Canada, volunteers are making a real difference every day, and you can, too.
Volunteers across the country are helping to drive the systems that sustain health, education, care, and community well-being. Whether formal — a neighbour who delivers meals to seniors or a parent who coaches a soccer team — or more informal — a youth who shovels the driveway for a neighbour or a family that contributes food to a neighbourhood pantry — volunteers are contributing in countless ways to the places we live, work, and play.
In 2023, Canadians contributed 4.1 billion hours of volunteer work — the equivalent of 2.4 million full-time jobs and up to $50 billion in economic value. That’s people power!
But here’s the thing: volunteering isn’t just good for your community — it’s good for you. It’s a chance to:
• Build your social network and make professional connections
• Boost your well-being — volunteers report feeling less isolated and a greater sense of belonging and mental and physical well-being
• Model values for the young people around you and inspire the next generation
The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development — a global movement to celebrate and elevate volunteers.
So, let’s kick off 2026 with a Giving Tuesday to remember. Every year, this special day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the value of volunteers and volunteering, and to maybe give a little extra time or money ourselves.
This Giving Tuesday, take a moment to:
• Share your story of volunteering on social media using #ignitevolunteerism and
#GivingTuesdayCA, and tag
@volunteercanada.
• Give what you can — time, skills, or a donation.
• Challenge your friends, family, or colleagues to join you.
Join Volunteer Canada on December 4 to celebrate International Volunteer Day and ignite your volunteer journey! To learn more about Volunteer Canada, visit volunteer.ca.
