In the US, National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week involves thousands of volunteer projects and events. 2012 marks the three-year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy “Serve America Act,” the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund, and President Obama’s call to serve our neighbors.

In Canada, National Volunteer Week (NVW) pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and energy to others. 2012 marks the 68th annual National Volunteer Week in Canada, sponsored by Volunteer Canada. It is the largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism, and civic participation in the nation.

CRWRC is celebrating the dedicated, capable individuals, families, and church members who exponentially expand this ministry in North America and around the world.

“CRWRC’s ability to reach into people’s lives to fight hunger, respond to disaster, and create change in poor communities would be cut short if it weren’t for the involvement of thousands of generous, caring volunteers,” says volunteer service manager Mary Dykstra. “Volunteers provide invaluable services in every part of CRWRC’s ministry.”

North American volunteers give one week to three years of their lives to support the daily work of CRWRC’s international development staff and partners in impoverished communities.

CRWRC partners in poor countries around the world train and manage thousands of volunteers who provide essential services in their communities—health care, literacy training, AIDS care, trauma counseling, peace-building, and community organizing.

Each year, CRWRC volunteers give hundreds of thousands of work hours to help disaster survivors in the U.S. and Canada who have no other options for recovery through assessment, clean up, reconstruction, repair, and emotional and spiritual support.

International disaster volunteers manage CRWRC’s emergency response programs in developing countries, overseeing our partner’s distributions of food, water, shelter tents, and other essential items from times of extraordinary need through rehabilitation.

CRWRC relies on our invaluable champions and volunteers in the U.S. and Canada who greatly increase the organization’s capacity with skill and diligence.

Those who give freely and generously from their financial blessings and through prayer support to undergird the daily work of CRWRC in local neighborhoods and around the world provide the practical means that makes it possible for CRWRC to be present in the world’s poorest communities to join God in his work there.

Thank you to our exceptional volunteers who donate their valuable time, energy, and abilities to help people in need through CRWRC. We are blessed to serve our God and others with you!

Volunteer opportunities: