International Volunteer Day is celebrated every year on December 5^th. It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It has become a day to acknowledge the important work of volunteers and the spirit of volunteerism at the local, national and international levels.

Did you know?

• According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 1 billion volunteers worldwide. Around 70% volunteer informally – directly helping people in their communities – while 30% engage through formal organizations.
• Volunteerism takes many forms. Volunteers contribute through local initiatives, online platforms and international assignments.
• According to Statistics Canada, in 2023, 73% of Canadians (aged 15 and older) reported volunteering
• Volunteers contributed over 1.2 billion hours of their time, according to Statistics Canada. If compensated at the average Canadian hourly wage, this effort would represent more than $40 billion in economic value annually. That’s more than the contribution of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries combined.

At Dying With Dignity Canada, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Across the country, they’re out in their communities every day, helping people better understand their end-of-life rights and options. We currently have 12 Chapters up and running — with five more on the way — and together they include hundreds of dedicated volunteer members.

Our Chapters are entirely volunteer-run, and they play a huge role in bringing DWDC’s education, Independent Witness program, and advocacy efforts to the local level. They host presentations and webinars on patient rights and Advance Care Planning, sparking meaningful conversations about death, dying, and the choices we all deserve. They also support local media interviews and community events, helping ensure accurate, compassionate information reaches the people who need it.

These Chapters are essential to our work. They give us a clearer picture of what end-of-life care looks like across Canada by sharing what they’re hearing on the ground — the concerns, hopes, and questions coming directly from their communities. Their insight helps guide our efforts, shape our priorities, and keep us closely connected to the people we serve.

What better way to mark International Volunteer Day by sharing thoughts and perspectives about the importance of volunteers from our Chapter Chairs and volunteers from across the country?

“Our volunteers are integral to the local Chapter, from witnessing to engaging in education for the public, this important work can’t be done without them. I’m grateful to have a team that has freely given their time and are always eager to help with whatever is needed. Thank you Edmonton Chapter!” Karen, Chapter Chair, Edmonton Chapter

“The Barrie and Simcoe County Chapter has only been official for a year but I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done and the people that we’ve reached. We’re helping others by witnessing, informing others through our Facebook page, and building relationships with community groups by offering presentations. With the overly dramatic negative falsehoods being spread on social media, there is a hunger out there for legitimate information. Our team is made up of very professional women with backgrounds in emergency, medical and spiritual services. This professionalism speaks volumes when we are representing DWDC to the general public.” Irena, Barrie and Simcoe County Chapter

“The Victoria Chapter volunteers are the DWDC presence in the Victoria community. Through acting as volunteer witnesses, doing presentations, lobbying, or planning and organizing large events their impact is felt and much appreciated by the community at large.” Gwen, Victoria Chapter

“As Chair, I see firsthand how volunteers transform our Chapter’s goals into real, tangible impact. They are advocates, educators, organizers and compassionate listeners. Volunteering matters because it builds a society grounded in empathy and autonomy — values at the core of DWDC. Personally, this work reminds me that change is built one conversation, one shared effort, at a time. I am privileged to work with talented volunteers who selflessly lend their skills and give their hearts to this mission.” Mary Anne, Chapter Chair, GTA Chapter

“I’ve realized recently how volunteerism makes such a difference. Without people taking time away from their lives there are so many important things that just wouldn’t get done. Many hands make light work, I am proud to be part of the Okanagan Chapter, it fills my heart.” Kelly, Okanagan Chapter

“I continue to be amazed at how quickly our independent witnesses are willing to step up, especially when it’s an urgent request for someone applying for MAID. I don’t recall a single incident when we’ve turned down a request for help. Also, as the request for presentations has increased, help from volunteers has been instrumental in educating the public about MAID and the importance of ACP.” Alex, Chapter Chair, Metro Vancouver Chapter

“I volunteer with DWDC because I believe everyone should have the ability to determine how and when they die. MAID allows people who are suffering to die with dignity and self-respect and I hope my advocacy for Advance Requests plays a part in making them legal so I have that option if/when I’m faced with a medical condition that impacts my quality of life.” Manon, volunteer with the Nova Scotia Chapter

“The best thing about volunteering is working with the other volunteers in our Chapter and in the Chapters across Canada. We also appreciate the support of the staff working for DWDC.” Paul, Calgary Chapter

“Volunteers are essential to the work we do. They are often the first point of connection in communities across the country, helping ensure that fact-based information about end-of-life options is accessible, compassionate, and clear. Quite simply, we could not do what we do without them—their time, energy, and commitment are the backbone of our mission.” Lori, Co-Chair, Winnipeg Chapter

“I am in my nineties and I believe it is crucial for everyone to get good information about end of life choices. I hope that volunteering with DWDC will help accomplish that goal.” Evelyn, volunteer with the Thunder Bay Chapter

“It was important for me to volunteer my time with DWDC to add one more voice towards getting the bill for advanced planning passed. Both my husband and son passed away in 2014 and 2017 respectively after experiencing unmanageable pain and suffering for a very long period of time. No one should have to die like that and I want to play a part in making sure we all have the right to choose if we are faced with a similar situation.” –  Maxine, volunteer with Thunder Bay Chapter

“Thanks, DWDC, for informing all of us, right across Canada, about end-of-life rights and choices available. Every adult needs information to make a plan.” – Holly, Thunder Bay Chapter

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved in the community with DWDC be sure to check out our get involved tab – Get involved | Dying With Dignity Canada.

Thank you to all our volunteers across the country, you are part of a strong community of passionate advocates and supporters who believe in end-of-life choice.