Volunteer MBC celebrates International Volunteer Day

January 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

The Region of Peel community was invited to join in on the celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD) at Volunteer MBC’s Annual Holiday Open House Dec. 2.
IVD, which is officially held Dec. 5 each year, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, is a day that celebrates the efforts of those who have made an important contribution to society by giving their time as volunteers. It is this day that Volunteer MBC acknowledges the support received from its very own volunteers who help deliver the centre’s various programs and services to the community, as well as volunteers who help support essential local community services.
“We are very grateful to the 330 volunteers who generously gave their time, talents and skills to our centre this year and to all the volunteers across the Region of Peel,” said Volunteer MBC Executive Director Carine Strong. “Our volunteers help out in various capacities, including reaching out and connecting volunteers to close to 200 member community service organizations; they assist us with our community outreach; as well they provide support with our day to day operations and governance oversight. Without the incredible support of so many dedicated volunteers, we simply would not be able to deliver our mission. Thank you so very much!”
During the event, Volunteer MBC launched its annual Holiday Giving Campaign, where guests were provided with the opportunity to participate in a silent auction which featured various unique items and gifts for all ages, as well as a number of raffle and door prizes. Proceeds raised during the Holiday Giving Campaign will directly support the local Volunteer Centre in continuing to promote and foster volunteerism within the community.
“Right here in our community, Volunteer MBC helps to build the capacity of community service organizations by sourcing and matching qualified volunteers to assist them in delivering their much needed programs and services,” said Volunteer MBC’s Fund Development Committee Chair Rohit Mehta. “Last year, Volunteer MBC referred 31,000 volunteers, which resulted in 3.9 million volunteer hours, 2,051 full time volunteer positions and a cost savings of 94.7 million dollars, all of which, would not be possible without the support of Volunteer MBC, the local Volunteer Centre.”
“Volunteers are the backbone in supporting strong, healthy communities,” Strong added. “Without volunteers, essential community services would simply no longer exist.”
Special thanks goes to all of the volunteers who supported the planning and coordination of the centre’s annual event, including event sponsor Scotiabank, which matched all donations raised.
Other event supporters included the City of Brampton; Cody Palmer-Almond (Musical Entertainment); Good Food Brampton; Husky Injection Molding Systems; IMC — Ilic Management Consultants; JSO Consulting; Kruger Products; La Siembra Co-operative; Mars Canada; the Mohawk Inn and Convention Centre; Ovik’s Salon and Spa; Purdy’s Chocolateer; Rogers TV Peel; the ROSE Theatre; Scotia Wealth Management, the Second Cup (Hurontario Street); SLiCK Solutions; snapd Brampton; and Toronto West KOA Campground. Special thanks as well to Volunteer MBC’s Board of Directors, staff and a number of individuals who personally provided in-kind and financial donations.

Volunteer MBC Executive Director Carine Strong is seen here with Shawn and Bridget Saulnier, owners of the Mohawk Inn and Convention Centre; and Jake Dheer, a senior manager with Rogers TV and Volunteer MBC board vice-president
Photo by Jonathan Cox