Volunteering has long been a cornerstone of Canadian society, fostering community cohesion and addressing various social needs. However, recent trends indicate a decline in volunteer engagement, influenced by demographic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pre-Pandemic Volunteering Landscape
In 2018, approximately 79% of Canadians aged 15 and older engaged in some form of volunteer work, contributing an estimated 2.5 billion hours. This equated to about 2.5 million full-time jobs, underscoring the significant role of volunteers in the Canadian economy.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to volunteer organizations. Lockdowns and health concerns led to the suspension of many in-person volunteer activities. Seniors, who traditionally contributed the most volunteer hours, were among the most affected due to their vulnerability to the virus.
Informal volunteering saw a surge during the pandemic, with individuals assisting neighbours and communities through activities like delivering groceries and making masks. However, formal volunteering through organizations experienced a downturn, as many programs were halted or moved online, limiting opportunities for engagement.
Post-Pandemic Trends
As Canada navigates the post-pandemic era, volunteer rates have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. A 2022 survey revealed that more than half of Canadian charities reported fewer volunteers compared to before the pandemic.
Demographic Shifts and Volunteering
Generational differences also play a role in volunteering trends. In 2018, Generation Z (born in 1996 or later) had the highest volunteer rate at 52%, while older generations, such as Baby Boomers and Matures, contributed more hours on average. The pandemic’s impact on these demographics has further complicated volunteer engagement, with older adults reducing participation due to health risks and younger individuals facing disruptions in traditional volunteer pathways.
Economic Value of Volunteering
The economic contribution of volunteering is substantial. In 2018, the value of volunteer work in Canada was estimated at approximately $55 billion. The decline in volunteer participation poses economic challenges, as organizations may need to allocate more resources to compensate for the reduced volunteer support.
Future Outlook
To address the decline in volunteering, organizations are exploring flexible engagement models, including virtual volunteering and micro-volunteering opportunities. Emphasizing community care and mobilization, especially among younger demographics, is crucial for revitalizing volunteerism in Canada.
In conclusion, while volunteering remains integral to Canadian society, recent years have seen a decline in participation. Addressing this trend requires innovative strategies and a collective effort to foster a robust culture of volunteerism.
Sources
Statistics Canada: Volunteering counts: Formal and informal contributions of Canadians in 2018
Statistics Canada: National Volunteer Week
Made in CA: Volunteer Work Statistics in Canada for 2024
Volunteer Canada: Data on Giving, Volunteering and Participating in Canada
Statistics Canada: Volunteering in Canada: Challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Statistics Canada: The Daily — Study: Volunteering counts: Formal and informal contributions of Canadians in 2018
Volunteer Canada: The Volunteering Lens of COVID-19
Statistics Canada: Satellite Account of Non-profit Institutions and Volunteering
Statistics Canada: Non-profit institutions and volunteering: Economic contribution, fourth quarter 2023
