On Labour Day, September 7th 2020, we join our Volunteer Centre colleagues across the country in publishing a co-authored, open letter to advocate for the essential role of volunteers, and the systems that enable them, during the recovery of our country. Excerpts from “Volunteer Centres: An Untapped Resource” We’re writing this letter, signed by aligned…
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The Ontario government is eliminating the cost of police record checks for volunteers of all ages looking to give their time and skills to the causes they care about. This includes Criminal Record Checks and Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks, which are commonly required by organizations that work with volunteers. Beginning April 1, 2022,…
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On June 27, 2022, the Ontario Superior Court approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit against the student travel group S-Trip for classifying trip leaders as volunteers, who were actually doing the work of employees. The settlement is a first of its kind ruling in Canada and is an important step towards decent work…
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Toronto, ON— After two years, the provincial mandate for high-school students has been reinstated to the full 40-hour requirement. The mandate was waived for students graduating in 2020-21, and saw a reduction to 20-hours for student graduation in 2021-2022, both changes due to COVID-19. “Volunteering is proven as a two-way relationship,” says Cara Eaton, Volunteer…
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Excerpts from “Volunteer Centres: An Untapped Resource” We’re writing this letter, signed by aligned Volunteer Centres in a robust network across the country, to speak up on how meaningful volunteerism is enabled. Canadians volunteer more than anywhere else in the world. Every year, nearly 13 million individuals contribute time to an organization in their community,…
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Volunteer Centres: Investing in People The Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) is the provincial network strengthening the individual and collective ability of Volunteer Centres in Ontario to promote, support, and enhance volunteerism. Volunteers across Ontario continue to step up in the face of COVID-19. A record number of individuals have invested their time, talent and human spirit…
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Frank Moore of Tillsonburg was one of 13 outstanding volunteers presented the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for 2021-22. “I’m so excited about what happened,” said Moore. “It was quite an honour – exhilarating – and it was a humbling experience to walk across the stage.” The medals, representing the second-highest honour awarded by the…
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The organizers of the London 2024 Ontario Summer Games have issued a call for volunteers, less than six month before the event makes its 5th showing in the forest city. The Ontario Summer Games, which were last held in London in 2018, have been postponed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, ahead of…
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TORONTO — The Ontario government is recognizing 6,650 community leaders through the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. The annual award honours adult and youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions and continued service at organizations such as non-profits, schools, community centres, hospitals, libraries and community associations. “Volunteers are the backbone of Ontario communities,” said Michael Ford,…
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Ontario honored 24 exceptional young volunteers with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers for 2021 and 2022. The program recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions from individuals aged 15 to 24. To the full list of recipients and learn more click here.