Apr 122 min read

Local volunteers buck national trend, log record-breaking 10,000+ hours over past year

Updated: Jun 4

National Volunteer Week celebration starts Monday

The North Grove is gearing up for a weeklong celebration of its volunteers who logged a record-breaking 10,000+ hours over the past year.

“We know that volunteering across Canada has decreased and that makes us even more grateful for the 165 volunteers who work hard to support The North Grove’s weekly programs,” says Catherine Morley, Volunteer Manager.

Volunteer hours contributed to The North Grove are up 69% over the previous year, a statistic that Morley attributes to an increase in programming and growing need in the community.

Volunteers currently fill 150 shifts every week and are involved in every aspect of The North Grove’s programming, from cooking to playgroups, community meals to farm tasks, tax clinics, to sitting on the organization’s Board of Directors and more.

“Volunteers tell us that they choose to spend their time at The North Grove because of the positive and friendly atmosphere, and because they feel valued and respected,” says Morley.

More than half of The North Grove’s volunteers are also program participants, which means they access services such as child and family programs, community meals, our community farm or other opportunities.

“Our volunteer program is an important way for program participants to get involved, give back to the community and build strong social connections,” says Executive Director Wendy Fraser.

“This is really a place for everyone,” says Hiroki Ishikawa, a volunteer and program participant who moved to Dartmouth North from Japan with his family two years ago.

“We were helped by The North Grove and the people in this community. My wife and I talked about how we could give something back, and we can do that by volunteering.”

Last year, with the support of volunteers, The North Grove connected with more than 400 families and served more than 44,000 meals and snacks to families and individuals.

National Volunteer Week (April 14-20) activities at The North Grove:

• Monday, April 15, 12:00-1:00 pm: Volunteer Coffee Hour

• Tuesday, April 16, 3:00-4:00 pm: Taco Tuesday for Youth Volunteers

• Wednesday, April 17, 5:00-7:00 pm: Volunteer Bingo Night

• Friday, April 19, 2:00-4:00 pm: Volunteer Appreciation Party

About The North Grove:

The North Grove is a dynamic community hub, located in the heart of Dartmouth North, that offers programs and services for people to learn and connect through family support, food, and friendship. Learn more at www.thenorthgrove.ca.