Here we are, the first quarter of 2021 has already passed. And with that, challenges, discoveries, failures and victories came along. The year started with the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Volunteer Lethbridge, a Nonprofit Leadership Centre; an organization that is celebrating 4 decades of history and stewardship in the community. It all started when the YWCA, federally funded, created the Lethbridge Volunteer Bureau that became Volunteer Lethbridge later on. The organization has changed its name and address, but never its core value and mission, being present and active for volunteerism in the community since then.
Since its early stage in 1981, Volunteer Lethbridge has been focusing on securing partnerships, strengthening its place in the community, developing programs and engaging a variety of resources for community engagement. As our mission highlights “Volunteer Lethbridge builds connections and empowers individuals and organizations to enhance volunteerism and grow volunteer capacity”.
From a variety of programs we have had over the years, today the organization focuses on the Keep In Touch (KIT) program where volunteers are paired with seniors who feel loneliness or isolation, for weekly calls; Expert Grant Support (EGS) that offers grant experts to help nonprofits to write their grant applications; Volunteer Screening Support (VSS) is a program, as the name says, to help organizations with their volunteer screening, to streamline volunteer management; and last but not least National Volunteer Week (NVW) that happens from April 18 to April 25 to celebrate volunteers all over Lethbridge, Alberta, and Canada. This year’s theme for NVW is “The Value of One. The Power of Many”. Please contemplate the inspiring acts of kindness by millions of people from all ages.
For the past 40 years, Volunteer Lethbridge has had thousands of volunteers who we are extremely grateful for. Volunteers who dedicated their time to help the community and someone in need. That is what Volunteer Lethbridge is all about- a place to support and guide volunteerism in Southern Alberta. We are alive because of all the support and hard working volunteers. As a volunteer myself, I understand how important it is to help our world to survive and to thrive throughout life. It is a sense of fulfillment and gratitude at the same time, a sense of belonging, a sense of being part of something.
Volunteer Lethbridge is ready for another 40 years of history with you by our side. Thank You, businesses, nonprofit organizations, single individuals, volunteers, members, non-members, friends and family. Thank you all for supporting the volunteers and all the work done to build a better and stronger community because together we go far. As Gandhi says “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Camila Dias
Office Coordinator