National Volunteer Week

Volunteers are the backbone of our communities.  During National Volunteer Week, we’re recognizing and celebrating volunteers across Ontario for the many ways they step up to make our communities a stronger, vibrant and better place to live.

From supporting newcomers to our province, helping community members in need, supporting after school programs, promoting the arts and culture, coaching youth sports, and so much more, volunteers make a difference in all of our lives.

Their dedication, kindness and support embodies the very best of the Ontario spirit and helps bring communities together, inspire others and fosters a stronger sense of inclusion and connection.

We also use this time to encourage everyone, including the many organizations that benefit from the hard work of their volunteers, to nominate exceptional volunteers in their communities for one of Ontario’s four service awards for volunteerism.

Starting today, and over the next 3 months, Ontario will be hosting 45 ceremonies throughout the province recognizing 6,637 outstanding volunteers with a Volunteer Service Award.

Our government offers several awards to recognize outstanding volunteers who go above and beyond in the service of their communities,  this includes the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students. 

Learn more: Honours and awards: volunteering | ontario.ca