Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2025: Volunteers Make Waves
- t2diabetesnetwork
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Every year, National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to recognize, celebrate, and thank the millions of volunteers across Canada who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to building stronger, healthier communities.
This year, National Volunteer Week takes place April 27 to May 3, 2025, and the theme is "Volunteers Make Waves," beautifully highlighting the powerful impact of volunteerism across the country.
Hear more about Volunteer Canada's action strategy, the volunteer crisis, and how the challenges can be addressed. Here Sara Lyons discusses how the spirit of volunteering can be upheld and how it can build communities and relationships.
Just like water in constant motion — flowing, shifting, and transforming — volunteers bring change with every action they take, big or small. Whether it’s a powerful surge or a quiet ripple, each volunteer effort creates momentum that improves well-being, builds social connection, and strengthens resilience across our communities.
Special NVW Celebration: In Conversation with Autumn Peltier
As part of the National Volunteer Week celebrations, Volunteer Canada is hosting a special event featuring internationally recognized Indigenous water protector Autumn Peltier. Since the age of 12, Autumn has been a powerful advocate for clean water and Indigenous rights, earning accolades such as the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism and being named among Canada’s Top 50 Power Figures by Macleans and Elle’s 100: Women Who Are Changing the World.
Event Details: In Conversation with Autumn Peltier
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
This inspiring event will feature an exclusive screening of The Water Walker film, followed by a dynamic conversation on youth leadership, reconciliation, and the transformative role of volunteerism.
Volunteers and Diabetes: Making Waves in Health Advocacy
Volunteers play a crucial role in advancing health initiatives, including supporting those living with diabetes. Despite the discovery of insulin over a century ago, diabetes continues to affect millions of Canadians. Organizations like Diabetes Canada rely on the passion, commitment, and energy of volunteers to create meaningful change.
In 2021, Diabetes Canada celebrated a major milestone — the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. Today, volunteers continue to be essential in supporting educational programs, workshops, advocacy efforts, fundraising events, and programs for kids and families impacted by diabetes.
🌟 Interested in Volunteering with Diabetes Canada?
Fill out the Expression of Interest Form and be the first to know about exciting upcoming opportunities!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."— Margaret Mead
Find Even More Ways to Get Involved
Finding a volunteer opportunity that fits your passion and schedule has never been easier! Thanks to platforms like Volunteer Connector and Go Volunteer, you can connect directly with non-profits in your community.
Volunteer Connector
Search or post volunteer opportunities easily.
Explore featured BC volunteer listings and digital opportunities, including remote roles like the Digital Host Volunteer with Vantage Point — an organization dedicated to transforming BC’s not-for-profit leadership through customized learning opportunities.
👉 Learn more and find opportunities through Volunteer Connector.
Go Volunteer
Launched in 2003, GoVolunteer.ca has connected over 1.8 million individuals to charities and non-profits across British Columbia.
Find opportunities using geo-coded maps to search in your neighbourhood.
Whether you're an individual looking to give back or an organization needing volunteers, GoVolunteer.ca makes it simple.
👉 Visit GoVolunteer.ca to find your next opportunity to make a difference!
Volunteer, Work, and Travel in Canada with Workaway
If you're interested in a volunteering experience that combines work and travel, Workaway.info offers incredible opportunities for low-cost travel and cultural exchange in Canada. With 500+ hosts and organizations across the country, Workaway provides a platform where you can volunteer and work while exploring new places, connecting with local communities, and making a positive impact.
Why Choose Workaway?
50,000+ Projects: From environmental initiatives to community development, there are plenty of ways you can get involved.
163 Countries: Join a global network of volunteers and hosts who are changing the world through cultural exchange.
647,926 Feedbacks: As the world’s leading community for volunteering, Workaway connects individuals passionate about making a difference.
Low-Cost Travel: Forget expensive agency fees — Workaway offers budget-friendly travel opportunities while working with local hosts.
👉 Explore Workaway Opportunities in Canada and start your adventure today!

Volunteer BC: Supporting and Connecting Volunteers Across the Province
Volunteer BC is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the voluntary sector throughout the province. Their vision is to be the voice for supporting and connecting volunteerism to ensure excellence in the sector for the benefit of all British Columbians. With a mission focused on promoting the development and value of volunteerism, Volunteer BC works closely with the general public, volunteer centers, organizations, governments, businesses, and individuals involved in volunteerism.
Volunteer BC continuously expands its programs to support both volunteers and organizations in British Columbia, offering valuable resources for anyone interested in the voluntary sector.
Mission: To be a strong and relevant provincial voice in volunteerism, promoting its development in partnership with the broader community.
Vision: Achieving excellence in volunteerism for the benefit of all British Columbians.
Whether you're an individual looking to contribute or an organization seeking volunteers, Volunteer BC is the platform to explore.

How to Get Started
Ready to make your own waves of change? Here’s how you can dive in:
Find local opportunities through Volunteer Connector and GoVolunteer.ca.
Support important causes like diabetes awareness and education by volunteering with Diabetes Canada.
Register for inspiring events like the In Conversation with Autumn Peltier event hosted by Volunteer Canada.
Volunteer and travel with Workaway.info to combine cultural exchange with meaningful volunteer work.
Connect with Volunteer BC for resources, advocacy, and opportunities in your area.
Together, we create ripples of change that grow into waves of positive impact across communities. This National Volunteer Week, let’s celebrate the incredible spirit of volunteerism that makes Canada stronger from coast to coast to coast.
Stay tuned for more highlights by joining our T2D network
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