The first volunteer centre was established in 1937 in Montr al to respond to the need for volunteers during the Second World War. During the 1960s and 1970s, volunteer centres were established in many urban areas across the country to promote and support effective volunteering. Throughout the last 30 years, volunteer centres have developed significant expertise in the area of volunteerism through the development of programs, research, and training. The centres are committed to resolving issues influencing the way people volunteer in Canada by the reducing barriers and promoting safe and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteer centres provide active leadership in areas such as youth volunteerism, risk management, corporate volunteerism, mandatory volunteerism, community service orders, educational campaigns, and many more.
Volunteer centres attract new volunteers and help retain current ones.
They strive to communicate the tremendous benefits found in volunteering and they inform the public about the enormous impact volunteers have on the community. They increase awareness on the challenges volunteers face and on the need to better support their work through financial, legislative and social policies. Management consulting on volunteer programs Working as the nucleus of the volunteer community, volunteer centres communicate the most current information on volunteer management. Centres also identify and connect agencies facing similar challenges so they can work together. An effective volunteer program must be structured to protect the interests of the agency, volunteer and client.