By rdnewsNOW staff

albertans helping albertans

Alberta launches programs to connect, honour volunteers

Apr 22, 2020 | 4:36 PM

Anyone in Alberta who is able to safely volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic is being encouraged to do so.

The province is launching the Alberta Cares Connector to connect Albertans with volunteer opportunities, as well as the Northern Lights program to recognize Albertans who volunteer to support their community.

“While physical distancing and gathering restrictions are in place, there is still a need for healthy volunteers to help those in need with countless opportunities to do so,” the government says in a release. “The Alberta Cares Connector embraces the Alberta spirit of supporting the vulnerable by offering our assistance, skills and time to those who need it most.”

“Volunteerism is the Alberta way,” said Premier Jason Kenney. I continue to be inspired by many acts of Albertan generosity and compassion. From the Sikh community providing meals for truckers keeping our supply lines open, to a Calgary woman in her time of mourning sewing masks for her community, to kids leaving care packages on their elderly neighbours’ doorsteps – the examples of generosity and selflessness are endless.”

Alberta has more than 26,400 non-profit organizations and, each year, more than 1.6 million Albertans provide more than 262 million volunteer hours to support the non-profit and voluntary sector at a value of $5.6 billion.

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Volunteers and volunteer organizations must follow all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to protect themselves and those they help. More information on safety and physical distancing guidelines can be found at alberta.ca/COVID19.

The Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program, the province says, is designed to honour everyday heroes as the province responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. The honourees will be nominated by fellow Albertans and selected for profiling on the program’s website and through social media.

The program is now accepting nominations.

The very first recipient of the award was announced on Wednesday. The recognition went to Owen Plumb, a grade nine student in Okotoks who has spent his time out of school, designing and printing protective face shields on his 3-D printer, for health-care workers. He was able to do this with the help of funds from a local Rotary club and Go-Fund-Me and working with a metal fabrication shop in Aldersyde, for extra components.