A letter from The Honourable Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women...
Volunteers are the foundation of our community life, and Alberta is proud to celebrate the incredible contributions Albertans make through a wide range of volunteering activities – whether simply caring for one another, or pitching in to help our local community organizations support those that are most vulnerable.
Albertans have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic but continue to demonstrate resilience and compassion for one another during this time of crisis. Premier Jason Kenney has issued a call to Albertans to help out however they can during this time of crisis, recognizing that our first priority is the health and safety of Albertans. All Albertans are encouraged to follow the advice of Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, for social distancing, limiting the number of people in public spaces and wearing masks in crowded places. Guidelines for safe volunteering are available on Alberta.ca/COVID-19.
As a key organization working to build our community and support our volunteers, we ask for your support to encourage Albertans to find appropriate and safe volunteering opportunities to help us through this crisis. Many resources and opportunities for volunteering are available by:
If you know of some great things happening in your community in response to COVID-19, we hope you will consider nominating an individual, a group of people or an organization for the new Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Award. The program is intended to recognize and celebrate the amazing spirit, resilience and kindness of Albertans during a time of COVID-19. The nomination is designed for ease of access, requesting that you go online at Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program and submit a short 300-word story about the person or group you want to nominate. Please help us to recognize the incredible contributions of Albertans during this time!
Lastly, I know that Alberta’s non-profits are experiencing significant impacts and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alberta government and federal government have a number of supports in place to assist legally incorporated non-profits and registered charities. This includes faith-based groups as well as organizations related to sports and recreation, arts and culture, the environment, newcomer settlement, housing, social services, community development, education and research, volunteerism, unions, and professional associations. Please see the COVID-19 Support for the non-profit/voluntary sector fact sheet outlining the current available supports that I hope you will find useful.
Sincerely,
Leela Sharon Aheer
Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
- Visiting the new Alberta Cares Connector website to find volunteer opportunities. We also encourage organizations to post opportunities. And, if your resources are strapped at this time, consider engaging a volunteer to help post your opportunities!
- Directing Albertans to 211 Alberta’s resource and referral network for local opportunities.
If you know of some great things happening in your community in response to COVID-19, we hope you will consider nominating an individual, a group of people or an organization for the new Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Award. The program is intended to recognize and celebrate the amazing spirit, resilience and kindness of Albertans during a time of COVID-19. The nomination is designed for ease of access, requesting that you go online at Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program and submit a short 300-word story about the person or group you want to nominate. Please help us to recognize the incredible contributions of Albertans during this time!
Lastly, I know that Alberta’s non-profits are experiencing significant impacts and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alberta government and federal government have a number of supports in place to assist legally incorporated non-profits and registered charities. This includes faith-based groups as well as organizations related to sports and recreation, arts and culture, the environment, newcomer settlement, housing, social services, community development, education and research, volunteerism, unions, and professional associations. Please see the COVID-19 Support for the non-profit/voluntary sector fact sheet outlining the current available supports that I hope you will find useful.
Sincerely,
Leela Sharon Aheer
Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women