Happy International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD), is a day of observance set by the United Nations. It was first established in 1985 and since then has been recognized globally as an opportunity for us all, “to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions at local, national and international levels.”

The theme chosen to mark this year is, "Volunteer for an inclusive future", highlighting the impact that volunteers have in promoting greater inclusion throughout our communities.

The United Nations explains this theme well, “Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion.”

The City of Edmonton encourages staff and facilities to be inclusive environments that provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. The Diversity & Inclusion Framework guides this effort throughout our city as we collectively work together to achieve our societal goals. If you want to learn more about this, consider registering here for an event on December 10th to celebrate the launch of the City’s new framework.

The Reuse Centre strives to create an inclusive space for City of Edmonton residents to donate and purchase reusable items and learn about reducing waste through reuse. We all create waste and we all play an important role in being responsible with the waste we create. The Reuse Centre benefits from the work of Volunteer Sorters, Event Assistants and Bloggers. All of our volunteers contribute in different ways; they bring a variety of skills, abilities, and personality with them in fulfilling these roles. At the Reuse Centre, inclusion means that as we all contribute to the mission of diverting waste from landfill and promoting the benefits of reuse to others, and we all share in the continued success of a more sustainable community. Recently, customers and Waste Services staff have recognized the efforts of our volunteers with thank you messages.

Reuse Centre staff sharing a note of thanks

Notes of thanks written by customers

Waste Services staff shares a note of thanks

Jayne (Customer) poses to share a note of thanks

If you are interested in volunteering at the Reuse Centre, view our opportunities here. Want to contribute to our inclusive mission, but don’t want to volunteer? That’s okay too, have a look at our list of accepted items and start collecting some in your home today. Simply bring your collected items along with you on your next trip to an Eco Station or the Reuse Centre.

If you volunteer elsewhere locally, nationally or globally, thank you! 

Submission by Andrea (staff)