Where Did the Volunteers Go?
Volunteerism in Canada
Volunteering is deeply ingrained in Canadian life. It fosters connections, new experiences, and strengthens communities. However, the pandemic’s impact has now reached a tipping point. A staggering 55% of Canadian charities have stated that they have fewer volunteers today than they did before the pandemic, even as demands for their services skyrocket and budgets dwindle.
The 2023 Giving Report from CanadaHelps paints a worrisome picture. More than 40% of charities have experienced higher demand since the onset of the pandemic, while 30% have seen drops in revenue. This mismatch between resources and need means that 57% of charities cannot keep up with current service demand. Burnout looms, and some organizations may face staffing reductions or high turnover rates.
Though hopes are high that receding inflation levels may ease demand for certain charitable services, the long-term effects of the pandemic and rising living costs persist. Indeed, volunteerism has never been more crucial.
Post-Pandemic Challenges
Giving time is part of the Canadian fabric, with 79% of Canadians aged 15 and up reporting volunteering in 2018 (Statistics Canada). 58% of charities rely entirely on volunteers, while others count on volunteers to augment their staff or provide specialized expertise. Yet, in the aftermath of the pandemic, charities are grappling to rebuild their volunteer programs to pre-crisis levels. Sadly, there is little expectation of a swift rebound in the number of Canadian volunteers. Attracting new volunteers ranks among the top ten concerns Canadian charities currently have, even when looking five years ahead (42% expect the issue to remain). Of particular concern is the decline in youth volunteer engagement, with nearly 20% fewer young people involved in these organizations.
Insights from 2018 data shed some light on the situation. The most prevalent formal volunteering types included event participation and fundraising. However, the closure of fundraising events during 2020 dealt a severe blow to charitable donations across the country. Additionally, seniors contributed the most volunteer hours, but given their vulnerability concerning COVID, their return to volunteering may be delayed. Therefore, charities lose the expertise and knowledge within this group. There is also evidence that younger Canadians (born after 1996) were most likely to volunteer formally, likely driven by school requirements. The pandemic disrupted these programs, reducing the contributions of this demographic.
Opportunities to Rebuild
Informal volunteering outside traditional organizations also plays a role, as highlighted by Statistics Canada. VolunteerConnector, a digital platform connecting Canadians with opportunities, points out that younger generations strive to support social justice and climate action causes. For those able to share their time and skills, numerous avenues await, from organizing fundraisers and donation drives to providing IT support, visiting seniors, or assisting local shelters and food banks. As engagement patterns shift, parents and guardians play vital roles in fostering the understanding of giving back in younger generations.
At the same time, collaboration with the government is crucial to promote volunteerism and reduce barriers to entry. Expediting background checks and eliminating associated costs can make a significant difference.
Charities, too, must bolster their relationships with supporters, meeting them where they are and aligning with their preferred modes of giving. Special attention should be given to the 18-30 age group that will shape the future of volunteerism. Virtual volunteerism and digitally enhanced in-person programs may resonate more with younger audiences compared to traditional activities. This group is most likely to take action, raising awareness on social media and joining protests.
Now, more than ever, corporations also have an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference. By actively engaging their workforces in volunteering, partnering with smaller charities, and prioritizing social impact, companies can alleviate the strain on charitable services in Canada.
The charitable sector relies on a compassionate and engaged society to thrive. Volunteerism has always been the backbone of these organizations, preserving the well-being of the communities they serve. As we confront the challenges ahead, let us all contribute our time and talents to support these crucial organizations.
Duke Chang, President and CEO of CanadaHelps, leads the largest online platform for donating and fundraising in Canada. Since 2000, CanadaHelps has empowered over 3.8 million Canadians to give more than $2.6 billion to Canadian charities.
Our webinar on ‘Navigating Challenges in the Canadian Charitable Sector’ with Duke Chang, President & CEO of CanadaHelps, and Megan Conway, President & CEO of Volunteer Canada, is now available on-demand!
