Why Volunteer?

By Jaslen Noorpuri – Volunteer & Affiliate Support Coordinator

Volunteers are the cornerstone in helping Tourette Canada flourish to its maximum ability in raising awareness, supporting those with and living with Tourette Syndrome (as well as TS+), and advocating throughout the community, workplaces and schools. Tourette Canada provides support by working hand in hand with its many volunteers all over Canada. Volunteers help Tourette Canada reach its main goal: to raise awareness, support those living with TS, as well as those who have a loved one or a friend living with TS, and advocating for the Tourette Community as a whole.

Volunteering is a way to get involved with different companies, associations, and non-profit organizations in the community to help contribute to the overall success and well-being of the organization. The act of volunteering allows people to not only get involved at a macro or larger scale but to help be a part of the micro or smaller details that are vital for the overall functioning of any and all establishments.

Volunteering has many different facets that contribute to basic and more intricate specifics of any institution.  Volunteer Canada outlines that the act of volunteering is “fundamental to a healthy and democratic society in Canada, builds the capacity of organizations, is personal, and is about building relationships.”

Most organizations encourage volunteer recruitment and engagement. Statistics Canada reported that “in 2010, about one-third (33 per cent) of volunteers who were employed said their employer had a program or policy to encourage volunteering. This is up from 29 per cent in 2004.”  Furthermore, this statistic has only risen since then. In 2013, through a Statistics Canada survey, it was found that “44 per cent of Canadians volunteered their time.”

It has been proven and shown throughout the years, with percentages increasing and more people getting involved with each passing year, that the act of volunteerism is not only helpful to companies and organizations but also to the volunteers themselves. Volunteerism allows for self-reflection, a chance to give back to a community and people, and help be part of a larger path of change, evolution, and greatness.

There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer. They include:

• Help in being an integral part of the overall structure, formation and overall/basic system of the organization
• Flexible hours and the ability to showcase talents and reinforce areas of strength
• Sense of fulfillment by giving back to communities, families and individuals by dedicating your time and efforts
• Build interpersonal as well as intrapersonal skills by working in both team and individual settings
• Great opportunities for optimal networking and gaining workplace credibility
• Help in bringing in fresh new ideas in bettering the organization as a whole
• Raising awareness and advocating for different groups within all communities
• Gain practical, theoretical, and common knowledge while also self-reflecting, therefore not only contributing to the success of the organization but also your own personal growth

Tourette Canada is currently looking for volunteers to support the many services we provide. From Virtual support group facilitators, to helping in raising awareness about Tourette syndrome as an In Service Provider across the nation, and at special events, volunteers are highly valued, respected, and welcomed.

If you are interested with volunteering with Tourette Canada, please fill out the application online or call the Home Office in Mississauga, ON at (905) 673-2255 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m (EST/STD).