A growing number of Canadian companies are encouraging their employees to volunteer using company resources and flexing their work hours, says a new report.
A compilation of case studies released last week by Volunteer Canada and the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy’s IMAGINE program shows businesses are using a unique range of options to support volunteerism.
“Companies that engage in employer-supported volunteerism have discovered that their employees acquire new skills, gain additional experience for career growth and experience a sense of fulfillment by contributing to their communities,” said Chris Pinney, director of IMAGINE and vice-president, corporate, at the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.
Volunteer Calgary is also working with Imagine and Volunteer Canada in drafting a “how-to” guide to help businesses start a volunteer program in their workplace.
Calgary has one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the country. Seven out of every 10 Calgarians over the age of 15 take part in some form of volunteer activity.
This past year has also been the International Year of Volunteers.
Web Watch:
www.volunteer.ca
www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca
