27 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,A pril 15,2021 insidehalton.com National Volunteer Week April 18-24, 2021 The Value of One, The Power of Many National Volunteer week is fast approaching! The week-long event takes place from April 18th to April 24th, 2021 and provides an opportunity for us to celebrate and honour volunteers who have given their time and efforts to deserving causes across the country, region, and community. National Volunteer Week is a campaign designed to recognize, show appreciation, and highlight the tremendous impacts our volunteers have left, in creating strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities. The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many (Volunteer Canada) reflects on the many acts of kindness by individuals and its impact when we work together towards a common purpose, an inclusive, vibrant, and progressive country, where everyone's contribution truly makes a difference. The power of the collective efforts of people working together can bring positive change and enhance the quality of life for all people. Across Halton, we have witnessed an outstanding caring community of volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and organizations providing critical services in Halton. Volunteers have come together, informally, and formally, to fulfill the many needs in our communities, such as shopping for food and essential supplies for seniors, spearheading local food drives, preparing and delivering meals, creating and sewing thousands of protective masks, and providing friendly phone calls, especially to those who may be lonely or isolated. All of the combined endeavours of each and every volunteer contributes to thriving communities strengthening the well-being and mental health of residents across Halton. Many organizations have had to adapt their services and roles of volunteers to ensure safety measures during the pandemic. Volunteers have been and are resilient, supporting organizations in a variety of ways, providing a continued valued service to others. Volunteers are diverse people from all walks of life and have one thing in common: their desire and eagerness to help others. It is vital that we give our volunteers the recognition they so greatly deserve. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting mark in a community and in a person's life. The Value of One, The Power of Many! As stated by Margaret Mead "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." We invite everyone to experience the world of volunteering by giving back to their communities. Visit Volunteer Halton of Community Development Halton at volunteerhalton.ca today to discover ways to make a difference in your community. Submitted by Mike Nixon, Executive Director, Community Development Halton www.cdhalton.ca Volunteers are the lifeline of our service. Thank You to Our Volunteers You make a massive difference in the lives of those in our community who are lonely, in crisis or experiencing emotional stress. We're #HeretoHear Available 24/7 DCHalton.ca for details 905-849-4541 On National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24, 2021 a heartfelt THANK YOU to all Oakville Volunteers for your tremendous impact! volunteerhalton.ca THE VALUE OF ONE. THE POWER OF MANY. Juliet has been a Food for Life (FFL) volunteer with us since 2017. Every Tuesday she runs a FFL programwhere GOOD fresh food is handed out to help friends and neighours in need. Setting an example to her neighbours has inspired others in her building to get involved and help volunteer with the program. She would rather go without, than have any of her neighbours to be without. Juliet knows that food brings people together, neighbours meet each other, and relationships are formed. Through conversations, neighbours learn more about each other, form friendships, and support each other. Food has the power to change lives. LEARN VOLUNTEER DONATE FoodForLife.ca RESCUING FOOD. IMPACTING LIVES