1. It makes a difference

The path to total gender equality is still underway. As of 2020, women in Alberta still have the most significant gender pay gap in Canada. Some women earn as much as $31,100.00 less than their male counterparts, and 34% of single mothers live in poverty. This gap is even more pronounced for women who face multiple forms of discrimination.

Women also do twice as much paid work as men, including child-care, and are overrepresented in low-paying jobs. COVID-19 brought even more challenges to many women. One StatsCan report noted that pandemic job losses hit women harder than men.

However, here’s some good news:

In 2020, the Women’s Centre responded to more than 50,172 contacts from women, which means that 50,172 women had access to basic needs and a sense of community.

Undoubtedly, it would have been impossible for the Women’s Centre to connect with this many women without the support of our 750 volunteers.

“We wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do without our amazing volunteers. It is such a humbling experience to be a part of this community and see the impact your volunteer work and support has on our community.”
Linda Tata
Volunteer Development Coordinator
“I’ve learnt so much about women’s issues and myself, and because of that, I’m very thankful that the Women’s Centre exists and that I’m a part of it.”
Women's Centre Volunteer

2. It's good for you

Have you ever noticed that volunteering and connecting with others tends to make you feel good? Part of our vision at the Women’s Centre is for women in Calgary to benefit from a strong sense of community, as we believe women need strong social connections to thrive.

These connections are often made at the Women’s Centre through volunteering.

Time and time again, studies have shown that volunteering is beneficial for mental health. Additionally, it takes a positive toll on the body, even having potential impacts on your health.

A study noted by StatsCan found that: “Research has established links between social networks and health outcomes,” and that “a sense of community belonging is highly correlated with physical and mental health.”

“Volunteering at the Women’s Centre has been such an amazing experience! Volunteering here has given me the chance to make an impact in the community through fostering connections with the women who enter the Centre and lending a listening ear. Being here has also taught me that being a friend is just as impactful as lending a helping hand.”
Women's Centre Volunteer

3. Gain experience

Here at the Women’s Centre, we are passionate about women helping and supporting other women. Volunteering offers an excellent opportunity to help others while growing personally and professionally.

As per StatsCan: “About one-half (50%) of volunteers aged 15 to 24 who were employed said volunteering helped improve their chances of success in their job.”

Many people list volunteer work on their resumes to highlight their skills and personal values, which is another way in which volunteering can benefit women professionally.

“I started volunteering at the Women’s Centre in December 2020. I have worked in the Toy Room for Christmas, Peer Support, Casino, and now I am in the Community Connecter role. This is one of the things that is so great about the Women’s Centre as you can do many different roles and they are really flexible so you can make your shifts work with your schedule.”
Women's Centre Volunteer
This April, all of us here at the Women’s Centre would like to give our volunteer team a big thank you – we couldn’t do this without you.


Here’s a message from Bo Masterson, our Executive Director:
“As we enter Spring and the sun stays out a little longer, I’d like to take this moment to thank all of you for the time, energy, and passion you have given to the Women’s Centre community. In the last 9 months I have been here, I have seen that this Centre would not be operational if it weren’t for each and every one of you! Over this time, I have had the privilege of getting to know some of you and have loved hearing your stories, your dreams, and thoughts for the Centre. For those of you I haven’t met, I look forward to meeting you at the Volunteer Appreciation event or at your next volunteering shift. We hope you feel celebrated every day of the year, with special appreciation in April!”
Message from Linda Tata, Volunteer Development Coordinator:
“Thank you so, so, much for being a part of the Women’s Centre volunteer team. Your support is literally changing so many lives in our community. We won’t be able to do the work that we do without our amazing volunteers. It is such a humbling experience to be a part of this community and see the impact your volunteer work and support have on our community.”

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