Hello Neighbour,
This is Lily Su, the Volunteer Coordinator at NeighbourLink North York. I want to thank the volunteer team and share their incredible accomplishments in 2024. Despite being a small staff team, we've made significant strides this year in realizing our dreams for the Willowdale community, thanks to the support of our fellow neighbours who go above and beyond to help others!
In 2024, 600 neighbours of all ages contributed over 6000 hours to serve the community across all our programs. This marks a substantial increase from 2021 when 100 volunteers dedicated 2000 hours, and 2023 when 500 volunteers contributed 4000 hours. According to the 2024 Vital Signs Report, 84% of Toronto non-profits report challenges with staffing or volunteers, with the volunteer rate declining from 37% to 25% between 2018 and 2022. We are incredibly grateful to see this volunteer network grow as the need for our programs increases.
Highlights of the year include:
The Community Care Team comprises compassionate, empathetic, and resourceful volunteers. They received over 30 hours of training, dedicated over 500 hours, and made over 711 home visits for wellness checks, grocery drop-offs, and meal deliveries.
113 youth volunteered over 2000 hours, cleaning 16 parks, hosting Tech Support sessions for seniors, organizing youth entrepreneur fairs, an eco-friendly garden party, reading buddies, and more to develop leadership skills and build confidence.
Over 30 events at Willowdale Manor, where returning volunteers formed strong bonds with isolated seniors.
265 volunteers helped make our four major events possible.
1807 hours spent providing food support through our food banks and mobile food deliveries.
Dozens of Welcoming Neighbours hosted these Newcomer Welcome Teas, warmly welcoming new neighbours in our community.
Our community events and programs for seniors, youth, newcomers, and food programs are not just spaces where neighbours are served but also where connections are made! Volunteers have fostered beautiful friendships with program clients, attendees, and fellow volunteers.
These connections are crucial in combatting symptoms of anxiety and depression for clients and volunteers alike. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are on the rise, including among young adults. More than 26% of adults report moderate symptoms of depression, and people who rely on food banks are five times more likely to report moderate symptoms of depression.
In 2024, Toronto’s population grew by 125,000 people, leading to an increase in newcomers volunteering with our organization. We're honoured to welcome new neighbours into Willowdale. One volunteer remarked earlier this week that NeighbourLink was their "First family in Canada” and another said, "At times as a newcomer I feel depressed and anxious but volunteering with NeighbourLink has helped me get out of those times and I'm grateful for the impact they've had in my life."
I am excited by what our volunteers can achieve in 2025! While we have an amazing group of people ready to help, we severely lack the finances to keep all of our programs running in the new year. We’ve reached 75% of our $90K goal. Will you help us cross the finish line by New Year's Eve?Please visit our donation page to:
Make an Individual Donation
Donate Securities before Friday, December 13th
Become a Monthly Donor and make a lasting impact throughout the year
Check out our Holiday Gift Guide
If you volunteered this year, thank you for giving your valuable time to serve your neighbours! If you’re interested in volunteering in 2025 you can sign up at www.neighbourlink.org/volunteer
I wish you a blessed holiday season!
Best Wishes,
Lily Su
Volunteer Coordinator
NeighbourLink North York
Comments