Volunteerism

Definition

Volunteerism measures the percentage of Winnipeggers who volunteered their time within the last year.

Why This Matters

Volunteerism makes a significant difference in Winnipeg, providing time and expertise to allow the operation of services and programs that could not otherwise be delivered. Contributions include fundraising, organizing events, sitting on a board, teaching or mentoring, and a wide range of activities that contribute to our society.

Volunteerism is strongly related to the social vitality of our community, and supporting the basic needs of our vulnerable populations: most volunteer hours contribute to organizations related to sports and recreation, social services, education and research, religion, development and housing, and health.

Measurement and Limitations

According to Statistics Canada, volunteers are “Persons aged 15 and over who did any activities without pay on behalf of a group or organization, at least once in the 12 months preceding the survey. This includes any unpaid help provided to schools, religious organizations, sports or community associations.” (Statistics Canada, 2012).

The volunteerism in Canada data were obtained from the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP).

Data Source

Statistics Canada. n.d. General Social Survey

Data is updated on Peg as it becomes available from the data providers.

References

Statistics Canada. (2012). Study: Volunteering in Canada, 2010. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/120416/dq120416b-eng.pdf

Vezina, M., & Crompton, S. (2012). Volunteering in Canada. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2012001/article/11638-eng.pdf