Non-profit sector recognized
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The non-profit sector, including those who work within it in Kingston, is being recognized across the province this week with Non-profit Appreciation Week.
This is the first celebration of the week, which runs Feb. 14-20. The goal of the week is to recognize the role of non-profits in our communities. This is especially true during a global pandemic, a news release from the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington stated.
The United Way hopes residents will take the time this week to show their appreciation for non-profit agencies. They also hope to spread the message on social media by using the hashtag: #NonprofitAppreciationWeek.
“In KFL&A our community agencies, staff and volunteers in the non-profit sector have continued essential services throughout the pandemic — and in many cases increased services due to demand — everything from seniors support, meal programs, shelters, mental health supports and so much more to help those most impacted by COVID-19,” Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of the United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, said.
“Like all of us, agencies are facing fatigue, working hard to ensure they can continue to serve residents. They need our support and appreciation, and that is what this week is all about.”
MPP Daisy Wai of Richmond Hill presented Bill 9, Nonprofit Sector Appreciation Week, 2021 as a private member’s bill.
“We all need to appreciate the hard-working professionals in the non-profit sector, especially during the pandemic period when its services are so much needed and volunteers and donations have dropped,” Wai said. “The Nonprofit Sector Appreciation Week will help ignite the passion and the performance of workers who are understandably exhausted and feeling burned out.
“We need to celebrate these Invisible Champions in our communities. Their sense of dedication, powered by their personal vision and mission has supported them through many challenges, but our appreciation and support for them will go a long way.”
There are about 58,000 non-profits across the province that employ roughly 850,000 people.
“The staff of non-profits are extraordinary,” Raksha Bhayana, CEO of the Bhayana Family Foundation, said. “They are deeply caring, guided by a mission to enhance the quality of life of individuals and communities. Staff in the sector are driven by the best parts of the soul and a passion for social impact.”
United Way KFL&A hopes community members will take some time during the week to recognize the important work being done each and every day by these agencies and workers.
For more information about Non-profit Appreciation Week, visit bhayanafoundation.org/take-action/ and for more information on Ontario’s non-profit sector, visit theonn.ca/about-the-sector/