Local organization ‘seeing spikes in volunteer interest’

As staff shortages continue to impact sectors across the province, there's some good news for Waterloo Region—a local volunteer organization says it's seeing no shortage of interest.

“There's been a huge uptick during the pandemic, so there are different things that we're seeing spikes in volunteer interest,” said Jane Hennig, executive director of Volunteer Waterloo Region.

The organization connects volunteers with over 160 charities and not-for-profits.

Hennig said it's seen a rise in volunteering at the grassroots level, especially in helping Ukrainians resettle.

But, Volunteer Waterloo Region is posting fewer positions than it did a couple years ago. 

“Where we had 500 positions that we posted pre-pandemic, we're at about 240 positions right now,” Hennig said.

That's a different approach from some GTA volunteer centres that have ramped up programming.

“As programs come back, what I'm really proud of in Waterloo Region is that many of the organizations are really taking the opportunity to step back and rethink their programming,” she said.

Hennig said the organization is waiting to see what the outcome will be.

“We definitely are in COVID fatigue, no question. But, we also are seeing really good community response to urgent needs,” she said.

Hennig said there's currently a need for a few thousand volunteers and is encouraging residents to sign up.

“We understand that there are fluctuating that happen in life. If that's what holding you back, know that we work with you on that. We're really adaptive to what different levels of commitment are,” she said.

Volunteering can allow people to test things out. 

“People who are in career changes. People who are new to Canada and are wanting to gain Canadian experience, and get involved in community, and build their networks,” Hennig said.

You can find local volunteer postings here.