91原创

Raza credits volunteering as a vital tool in establishing her Canadian network. Volunteering, she said, provided her a platform to meet like-minded individuals and build social and professional connections.

鈥淚 became involved with Action Volunteers for Animals, where my responsibilities included caring for pets and educating individuals about animal shelter and foster policies. This experience helped me improve my social and communication abilities,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hough I had adequate work experience from my home country, this volunteering position allowed me to further refine my professional skills and served as a steppingstone in my career journey in 91原创.鈥�

Like Raza, several skilled newcomers encounter difficulties in resuming their careers in 91原创, despite possessing significant work experience. This often arises because several employers prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience.

Volunteering can not only help acquire this much sought after experience, but also help new arrivals cultivate essential soft skills, which are highly valued by employers, and help to bridge gaps in employment history during their job hunt.

Taking a step forward

Today, volunteering opportunities are plenty. Volunteerism in 91原创 is at an all-time low since the pandemic has disrupted volunteer participation and civic engagement. Several nonprofits are expressing concerns about losing and recruiting new volunteers.

Meals on Wheels is one such program facing a shortage due to the unavailability of volunteer drivers. The program delivers food to every community in the country, especially to vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities, addressing isolation and hunger.

According to the data disclosed by Volunteer 91原创, more than 1,000 additional volunteer drivers are needed right now to meet demand. Volunteer 91原创, a charity working to grow connection, community and belonging through volunteerism, reveals that as many as 65 per cent of organizations in 91原创 are grappling with a volunteer deficit, and up to 35 per cent of them are forced to curtail services due to this shortage. The organization has observed a 20 per cent decline in interest in volunteerism in the last two years compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In late 2023, the 91原创 Foundation also reported that between 2018 and 2022, the volunteer rate in 91原创 itself fell from 37 per cent to 25 per cent. Considering the average volunteering levels, this equates to a loss of approximately 36 million volunteer hours or 20,000 full-time positions in the city.

Joanne McKiernan, executive director of Volunteer 91原创, points out that while people, especially immigrants, volunteered in person and virtually to avoid facing isolation during the pandemic, various systemic factors contribute to the current shortage. And one of the main reasons is the social and economic turbulence happening in the country, which is creating multiple challenges for newcomers.

鈥淣ewcomers and immigrants are trying to fit into society鈥檚 social and economic fabric. They have many economic concerns, including obtaining standard shelter and earning better income to cope with inflation. These challenges are real and significant, impacting the country鈥檚 volunteerism landscape,鈥� said McKiernan.

Many newcomers share the sentiment that finding the right opportunities and making space in their lives for volunteering is challenging, especially when they鈥檙e still acclimating to their new living conditions.

鈥淚 would like to explore the volunteer opportunities here, but the geography is quite challenging for me,鈥� said Hariprasad Vijayan, a business management student at Georgian College, located in Barrie, Ont. 鈥淎s an international student from India, I can鈥檛 access my own vehicle. Moreover, the heavy traffic, my studies, and part-time job hours further complicate things.鈥�

Vijayan said that many of his friends are facing similar challenges. 鈥淩ight now, everyone is deeply concerned about their survival, whether it鈥檚 meeting financial obligations such as paying fees or repaying the education loans. I aspire to volunteer in the future, particularly if opportunities arise within proximity to my apartment or college.鈥� He said he may opt for virtual volunteering as an alternative if it does not impede his professional and academic commitments.

Meeting the demand

Volunteer 91原创 identifies 17 per cent of its program participants as newcomers, thus constituting a significant portion of the actively involved participants. These newcomers, diverse in their traditions, personal connections and range of professional experiences, encounter an array of challenges upon their arrival in 91原创. Diving into volunteer work becomes a cherished experience for immigrants to navigate unfamiliar territories.

McKiernan said that newcomers should apply the three-step formula of RRR here. 鈥淚n essence, this implies reflecting, researching, and reaching out. As per the formula, individuals should reflect on their personal and professional skills to determine their goals and interests. This allows immigrants to identify areas where they can make meaningful contributions.

鈥淣ext, immigrants should research volunteer opportunities on diverse platforms across the country. By exploring multiple avenues, individuals can identify initiatives that align with their interests and cater to their needs. Finally, it is crucial to reach out to these organizations as often as possible,鈥� she said.

McKiernan also suggests that newcomers take advantage of virtual volunteering opportunities. In a society where individuals often navigate busy schedules filled with professional and personal commitments, the flexibility afforded by virtual volunteering transcends geographical constraints, providing accessibility to Canadians across diverse regions, including those in remote communities. This way, newcomers can make a tangible difference in the community while fostering personal growth and forging meaningful connections.

Subha Pradeep, a social worker at the University Health Network, said that volunteering offers huge benefits to immigrant communities in terms of mental health.

鈥淚 often recommend volunteering to the new individuals who approach me. As a newcomer in a foreign land, it is very easy to feel isolated and depressed. When you volunteer, you are getting involved and giving back to society simultaneously,鈥� she said.

Recognizing the country鈥檚 volunteer shortage and the emotional uncertainties immigrants face while relocating, Pradeep offers a bit of advice.

鈥淚t is imperative to refurbish these volunteering programs to align with the evolving demands of society and accommodate newcomers,鈥� said Pradeep. 鈥淭hese initiatives should help immigrants gain a broader understanding of what volunteering in 91原创 looks like and offer them a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available.鈥�