This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
While the work of volunteers may often go unrecognized, it is never unnoticed by the many groups and organizations who may very well not exist but for the contributions of volunteers.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, it’s important to bring to the forefront the efforts of the thousands of volunteers who give their time and talents to our community, both here at the University of Lethbridge and throughout the city and southern Alberta. Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of a healthy, vibrant and thriving community.
ULethbridge is rooted in the values of a liberal education, imparting upon students the importance of community and civic engagement and encouraging students to use the knowledge and the skills they acquire as active participants, volunteers and changemakers in their communities.
Volunteerism matters and it makes a difference in our neighbourhoods every single day. Civic events, support for children and the most vulnerable, community pride and engagement — these things do not just happen, and often, it is an army of volunteers behind their success.
With Lethbridge boasting a volunteer rate of 57 per cent among its population of 106,550, the contributions of 60,734 residents translates to an astounding 91 hours per volunteer annually. This equates to a $134 million impact on our local economy — a testament to the power of volunteerism.
Over the years, the University’s UVolunteer initiative has made a remarkable impact in the community. It has opened students to experiences they may never have had the opportunity to encounter, connected the broader community to the University and made a world of difference to countless local groups and organizations.
Similarly, the work of employee volunteers, both on campus and off, continues a legacy of involvement that showcases our university and our city as a supporting, empathetic and caring community.
Let us take the time this week to go out of our way and respect the work of volunteers, thank them for their efforts and think about how we can individually and collectively support our communities — for when we do, we all reap the benefits.
Dr. Harold Jansen
Dean, School of Liberal Education and University Librarian
Contact:
Harold Jansen | harold.jansen@uleth.ca