8 Simple Ways to Virtually Celebrate National Volunteer Week

There is no doubt that the global outbreak of COVID-19 has affected our day-to-day lives. For some organizations, including the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, the pandemic has volunteers staying home to help slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. But with National Volunteer Week upon us, we wanted to share 8 simple ways to virtually celebrate, recognize and thank  the volunteers who are making our communities a better place to live.

8 ways to virtually celebrate volunteers this week

1. Be vocal on social media: Don’t be afraid to give shout-outs or share posts highlighting teams, or individuals you know who give their time to community initiatives, or volunteer at your organization.  
2. Send a message or email: If you know local volunteers, thank them by sending an email or text message recognizing their hard work. Or, call them to say thanks and find out how they’re doing. 
3. Plan recognition activities throughout the year: Use this time to start planning ways you can recognize volunteers during future events. 
4. Gather thank you messages from friends, family, or co–workers and pass them on to the volunteers: Create an online “thank you” card with messages from various people and send it to a volunteer. 
5. Nominate volunteers for local awards: Often, organizations will highlight individuals for their dedication and hard work, so feel free to reach out and nominate a volunteer. 
6. Bring together your local volunteers over an online communication platform: Online video chats are a great way to have many people come together virtually to socialize. 
7. Community messages: Get creative and make a handprint – and pawprint if the people you’re recognizing work with animals – to display on your windows with a message to your local volunteers. Or, write a message on your driveway with chalk to let them know you care. 
8. Above all, spread positivity: Not only to the volunteers, but to everyone. We can all use a little pick-me-up during these difficult times! 

On behalf of our team at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we would like to thank all our hard–working volunteers, as well as the essential workers in our community each doing their part during this challenging time.