A ‘Charter of Volunteerism’ for Peel

Flanked by its staff, in house volunteers, and community supporters, Volunteer MBC appeared before Council at the Region of Peel to make history, as it presented its ‘Charter of Volunteerism’, a document designed to inspire diverse and inclusive volunteering in Peel.  Led by Executive Director Carine Strong, with Community Development Specialist Shan Abbasi, Volunteer MBC made a case for increasing volunteering activity in Peel, and the Charter was introduced as a mix of needed awareness and a call to action.

“Why create a Charter of Volunteerism? With a growing and aging population and greater economic uncertainty, community needs will only continue to increase. Therefore, it is essential that we place volunteerism as a focus to increase civic engagement and prevent a drastic volunteer shortage”, said Carine Strong, Executive Director, Volunteer MBC.

“The Charter of Volunteerism draws attention to various aspects of a volunteer experience from the perspective of the volunteer and the community service organization to drive us toward a more caring and united community,” added Shan Abbasi, Community Development Specialist, Volunteer MBC.

Response was immediate and positive. Council endorsed this initiative, as did the Region’s three mayors, while thanking Volunteer MBC on the occasion of its milestone anniversary for its 10 years of valuable service to Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.

Region Chair Frank Dale was quick to compliment Volunteer MBC by saying, “Kudos to you guys for doing such good work, especially the extensive youth engagement that you do to join youth to their community”. Other officials amplified their endorsements by inviting Volunteer MBC to actively participate in municipal committees to advance Charter goals.

Volunteer MBC’s Charter of Volunteerism will now go on a local awareness tour in many public venues across Peel, combined with an invitation to residents to sign and endorse it online at Volunteer MBC’s website.