The theme for this year's National Volunteer Week, from April 27 to May 3, is “Volunteers Make Waves”. During National Volunteer Week, we come together to recognize the incredible impact of individual and collective efforts that help build a more sustainable, connected, and resilient region for both current and future generations.
At the Capital Regional District (CRD), we are grateful for all the volunteers who share their time, skills, empathy, and creativity. Their contributions are vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities.
Across the region, CRD volunteers are involved in a wide variety of roles that support community safety, promote environmental stewardship, and inform long-term planning. Here are just a few of the ways volunteers are making a difference every day:
The region’s unique geography and ever-changing weather bring both beauty and challenges, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. In these critical moments, Emergency Program Volunteers provide food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need. Our region has over 1,000 dedicated volunteers who help ensure communities are supported during crises.
Since 2011, Bike Count Volunteers have been instrumental in monitoring cycling trends across the region. Thanks to hundreds of dedicated participants, we’ve gathered critical data that informs infrastructure planning and supports our commitment to active transportation. This data helps identify key travel routes and track changes in cycling habits over time. To explore our bike count data since 2019, visit www.crdbikecounts.ca.
We’re also fortunate to have nature enthusiasts who volunteer in our restoration program. These volunteers focus on removing invasive species to help protect the native ecosystems in our parks and natural habitats. One great example is Marg, who has been dedicated to restoration work with the CRD for over a decade. She attends most of the Regional Parks volunteer restoration events, spearheads the restoration effort at Mill Hill Regional Park, and supports nature programming and events, helping kids with nature crafts and answering questions from the public.
In 2024 alone, Marg volunteered over 370 hours. Rain or shine, she shows up with a smile and a determination to make a difference, always inspiring those around her.
When we asked Marg what she loves most about volunteering, she shared:
“I love seeing the different parks and meeting all the delightful people and seeing the difference we make to the parks. I am a firm believer parks are for the people and if they cannot even ‘see’ the parks for the invasives they cannot be enjoyed. So, I continue to work on removing them. I would like to reiterate that I love meeting the people who volunteer and the public who let me know they appreciate our efforts!”
There are many other stories like Marg’s that highlight the passion, dedication, and pride CRD volunteers bring when lending their time and effort to continue building a livable and resilient region.
There are many ways to get involved as a CRD volunteer, whether your interests lie in nature conservation, emergency preparedness, or active transportation. Learn more about current opportunities to volunteer at www.crd.ca/careers/volunteer-opportunities.
