As we continue to celebrate 35 years of community service, it is inspiring to see how we have grown over the years. Here are some highlights…
Then and Now:
Then: 2 part-time staff.
Now: 4 full-time, 3 part-time and 1 contract staff.
Then: Referred approximately 450 volunteers annually.
Now: Refer over 16,500 volunteers annually! If only 5% of those referred go on to volunteer for one year, the economic value to our community is over $3.3 million!
Then: Primary focus – volunteer recruitment.
Now: Focus is on volunteer recruitment, providing leadership to the non-profit sector, building capacity for community agencies, broad community outreach and celebration of volunteerism.
Then: Primary recruitment/promotion tools used – file cards and the telephone.
Now: Promotion/recruitment tools used- website/ VolWeb database, traditional media and social networking tools, face-to-face presentations, banners, and a range of print materials.
As well, today we also have focused volunteer programs to facilitate youth and employer engagement, as well as to support inclusion for all in our community.
While our services have grown and expanded over the years, the strong commitment of our board, staff and volunteers has remained unchanged.
We look forward to the next 35 years of building community -together!
Are you a long-time member of Volunteer Victoria? Do you have any stories to share about how Volunteer Victoria has made a difference to you or your organization? We would love to hear from all of our members what you most value about being part of Volunteer Victoria! Comment here or email lori@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
