Celebrating Volunteerism in St. John's

As the country celebrates National Volunteer Week, the City of St. John’s is celebrating volunteers in our community, too.

Proclamation

On Monday, April 17, Mayor Danny Breen signed a proclamation declaring April 16 to 22 National Volunteer Week in St. John’s. Attending the proclamation were Lori Letto (Volunteer Services, City of St. John's); Leon House for Wheels for Wishes (Group Volunteer of the Year, St. John's); Stephen Jewczyk (St. John's Adult Volunteer of the Year); and Colin Corcoran, CEO Community Sector Council, NL.

individuals surround Mayor Breen in Council Chambers as he signs the proclamation

Our team also took part in the Provincial Volunteer Week proclamation at Confederation Building on April 12. In attendance were the Honourable John Abbott, Community Sector Council NL CEO, Colin Corcoran, Kip Bonnell, Stephanie Abbott Trahey and City staff person Lori Letto, who also sits on the Provincial Volunteer Committee.

individuals stand with provincial proclamation

MUN Volunteer Awards

On April 10, Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary attended the Memorial University Student Volunteer Bureau Volunteer Awards, a ceremony recognizing outstanding volunteers both within the community and within the university.

Volunteer recognition is just one important area of collaboration between Memorial University and the City. This is the ninth year that the City and MUN have come together to recognize the important role volunteers play in our community.

This fall, the City of St. John’s looks forward to hosting our first Volunteer Fair in partnership with MUN Student Volunteer Bureau.

Thanks again to all nominees and award winners for all that you do to make our city a better place to live, learn, work, play and visit.

group shot of individuals, some holding awards

wide shot of room with people at tables

Volunteering Transcends Boundaries

On April 14, City of St. John’s Volunteer Services staff joined Volunteer Canada and the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Volunteer Connections Conference, hosted here in St. John’s. From networking with passionate volunteers to discussing a national strategy for volunteerism, the power of community is truly inspiring! You can also participate in the discussion on the National Action Strategy for Volunteerism at www.volunteerstrategy.ca

Volunteering with the City

Our volunteers play many important roles in supporting the organization to offer excellent programs and services.

Did you know that dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers from St. John’s Lions Club who have been supporting our Festival of Music and Lights for over 30 years? Every year club members provide, prepare and distribute thousands of cups of free hot chocolate at the event.

For over 20 years, the award-winning Ambassador program has played an essential role in welcoming cruise passengers to our city. Local volunteers are the first to greet cruise ship passengers and crew upon arrival in the Port of St. John’s. Many of these volunteers have been with the program for over five years and their friendliness make the passengers and crew stay a memorable one.

The City of St. John’s is looking to add volunteers to the Ambassador program. If you are a people person and passionate about all that our city has to offer, please reach out to Kim Cooper. The next training session will be happening in May 2023!

two individuals wearing masks in red vests smile in front of a cruise ship

Preparing the Next Generation of Volunteers

It is important to the City of St. John’s, to give youth positive volunteer experiences. Doing so can teach them the value of civic participation and lead to lifelong involvement. Our Volunteer Services Team are active in schools year round educating youth on the benefits of volunteering and the City’s Volunteer Junior Leader Program.

One of our most recent presentations was for the Association for New Canadians, Youth Pathways Program at Holy Heart.

Learn more about our Volunteer Junior Leader Program and how register today: Volunteer Opportunities - City of St Johns.

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