The Mayor of Ottawa has issued a challenge to other mayors across the county to encourage their citizens to take part in a volunteer campaign and Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer has accepted. 

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Volunteer Ottawa is leading a nation-wide campaign in partnership with Volunteer Canada and other national volunteer centres, to encourage people to volunteer 150 hours of their time this year. 

Veer said she’s confident Red Deerians will rise to the challenge. 

“We know Red Deer prides itself in being a community that’s built on volunteerism.”

“When you look at all the things that make a great place to live, a lot of it has to do with the efforts of volunteers and we certainly knew that we could meet Mayor Watson’s challenge.”

Pam Snowdon, Executive Director of Volunteer Central, said by volunteering it helps non-profit organizations and businesses to succeed. 

“Whether that’s environmental concerns or for children and youth, our seniors, our new comers, the arts, all sectors, volunteers help these organizations move forward with their mission of helping people.”

According to Volunteer Canada, Canadians volunteer an average of 154 hours per year and 59 per cent of the population has volunteered at some point in their lives.

Snowdon said volunteerism helps foster a sense of pride within yourself and the community. 

“On a personal level it’s just good for your mental health, physical health and the feel-good factor that you have done something that’s making a difference in another person’s life.”

“But it also spills over into the greater community and a community that cares about one and other is a connected community and I think that it makes it a better place for all of us.” 

Especially during tough economic times, Veer explained, volunteers help build a sense of community. 

“Really, whether it’s in the cultural sector, social sector, sports sector, environmental sector, volunteers really are the life blood of our community,” Veer said.

“Particularly given the economic climate that we’re navigating through as a province together, we know that volunteerism is more imperative as organizations don’t necessarily have the capacity to fulfill their prime organizational mandates. We’re relying even more so on those who have time and talent to offer to various organizations."

Participants have the entire year to complete the challenge and can track their progress and share stories through an online platform at http://volinspire.com/u/FeEkzi758M. 

There is also an app and any over the age of 13 can accept the challenge in central Alberta.