United Way KW’s 4^th Day of Caring was a huge success!

On June 12^th, 2013, 13 volunteer teams from organizations throughout Kitchener Waterloo and area dispersed to 16 projects throughout our community. In total, there were 138 amazing volunteers who came together for the day to donate their time and efforts towards making our community a better place. 

The festivities began with a morning rally at Uptown Waterloo Public Square where participants enjoyed live entertainment, breakfast and a pair of the famous Day of Caring sunglasses (seen below). After hearing some encouraging words from Jan Varner, CEO of United Way KW and Victor Zamin, winner of the 2012 United Way KW Board Chair Award, the projects began!

Activities included landscaping, gardening, painting, food packaging, shed building and tree planting. Many of the projects were outdoors and the weather was absolutely perfect! Of the 16 projects that were completed, the busiest was that of Sunlife Financial volunteers. They had over 20 volunteers participate in a City of Waterloo tree planting project at the University of Waterloo‘s Environmental Reserve! The City of Waterloo also had 16 of their own employees come out to join in the work & fun!

Also in attendance at the Environmental Reserve were Carlos, Sophie & Dave from 91.5 The Beat  and Tracy Shewfelt, Community Outreach Coordinator from the office of MP Peter Braid. Everyone came out with community spirit ready to work. As a result, 20 large trees and 250 shrubs were planted successfully! 

Sunlife Financial has been a major supporter of United Way for over 70 years on a local and national level. Click here to learn more!

This project was one of many successful team efforts at United Way KW’s 4^th Day of Caring. The generous support and hard work of many organizations throughout the area will continue to be seen at partner agencies for years to come. Click here to see photos from this year’s various projects.

From all of us at United Way KW, THANK YOU to all of those who participated. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Making a Difference

As United Way KW’s Day of Caring is quickly approaching, we reflect on the meaning of a “volunteer”. What does this term mean?

Wikipedia states, “Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity produces a feeling of self-worth and respect; however, there is no financial gain. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun.”

A large part of the non-profit sector’s strength is volunteers; most of them want to make a lasting difference in the community and give their time, expertise and talents.

What are some areas you may be interested in volunteering in the community?

• Food/Hospitality
• Special Events Organization
• Fundraising
• Gardening/Environment
• Boards/Committees
• Counselling
• Health Care/Emergency Services
• Finance/HR/IT/Facilities Expertise
• Recreation/Sports

Find more out about other local areas of interest by visiting the Volunteer Action Centre.

The Volunteer Action Centre is one of our community partners who help develop capacity for local volunteerism. They create and facilitate resources and relationships between its members and the community.

What does the word volunteer mean to you? Let us know @UnitedWayKW

Interested in becoming a volunteer with United Way KW? Click here.

What is Day of Caring?

Day of Caring was created to highlight the importance of volunteerism in establishing lasting community change. Through many caring acts, local volunteers work together for the betterment of our community.

We look forward to the fourth Day of Caring on June 12^th, 2013. We can’t wait to see great volunteerism in action!

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