This week is National Volunteer Week!  The theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.  The value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together deserves recognition, not just this week, but always.

All week, KW Hab will be sharing stories from the point of view of a few of our amazing volunteers and we are sharing their stories because we are tremendously grateful for everything they do!  KW Hab relies on volunteers and this past year has been no different.  Even though a lot of our more formal volunteer opportunities were not available because of COVID-19, we have had so many informal volunteers helping along the way.  Sewing masks and gowns, volunteering at Our Farm, and volunteers who previously volunteered at our Welcome Centre or in Community Participation programs shifting to provide friendly phone calls to help reduce isolation.  It goes on…Other volunteers have helped with various projects such as supporting our Communications Coordinator, researching for an Early Learning workshop, converting an in-person training to a virtual one, and developing online program activities. Because of the virtual nature of these placements, it has been difficult to track hours, but the impact these volunteers have made, and continue to make, has been invaluable to KW Habilitation.