Volunteers are the heart of the province, and two new initiatives have been introduced to make sure that their work is easier and better appreciated during this public health crisis.
Before Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer, took the podium during the daily press conference Wednesday to announce the latest COVID-19 figures, Premier Jason Kenney was joined by Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, to launch AlbertaCaresConnector, a new tool to connect people with volunteer opportunities.
Even though physical distancing and gathering restrictions are in place, there is more of a need than ever for healthy volunteers to help as much as possible.
“Volunteerism is the Alberta way. I continue to be inspired by many acts of Albertan generosity and compassion. The examples of generosity and selflessness are endless,” Kenney said.
“The Alberta Cares Connector will build off this community solidarity and ensure that those who can help will make the biggest impact during this time when support is acutely needed.”
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Volunteers are the lifeblood for thousands upon thousands of Alberta community organizations that provide a wide variety of social supports. The province said there are more than 26,000 non-profit organizations where 1.6 million people give 262 million hours of their time and effort each year, all of which is worth $5.6 billion.
“Albertans are proud to have the highest volunteer rates across Canada, and we take action in countless ways to meet the needs of our communities and neighbours,” began Aheer, who followed up the premier during the press conference.
“During this unprecedented crisis, Albertans understand that the need for volunteerism and social support is urgent. And, once again, they have demonstrated their commitment to their neighbours and communities through selfless acts of service. The Alberta Cares Connector will assist Albertans who want to help at this time by connecting them with local volunteer opportunities to help those most in need.”
The tool is meant to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ facility for anyone looking for community service opportunities. It will also ensure that those organizations and programs that depend on the generosity and assistance of volunteers will more easily continue to provide support to those in need.
The premier and the minister also announced a new volunteer recognition program called the Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program, a way to honour everyday heroes during the pandemic. Honourees will be nominated by fellow Albertans and selected for profiling on the program’s website and through social media.
There are no requirements for nominations and any person or group is eligible for the award. Nominations will be accepted online on an ongoing basis. The first recipient was Owen Plum, a Grade 9 student in Okotoks who has been working with other local residents to make protective face shields for health workers on his 3D printer.
NOTES
Volunteers and volunteer organizations must follow all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to protect themselves and those they help. More information on safety and physical distancing guidelines can be found at alberta.ca/COVID19.
Ways people can help
- Volunteering at food banks.
- Sewing masks or scrub bags for front-line health-care workers.
- Providing meals for essential service workers, like truckers.
- Picking up groceries for those unable to leave their homes.
- Packing and delivering essential needs for vulnerable Albertans.
- Donating blood through myaccount.blood.ca.
- Donating items to shelters in need.
- Reaching out to seniors through positive messages or phone calls
– Information provided by the Government of Alberta
