https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/Latest community news and updates.enMon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/government-of-canada-improves-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services/This past weekend, the Honourable Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of almost $600,000 to support the delivery of inclusive, culturally sensitive SRH services and resources to the communities across the country that need them. The announcement took place at the Positive Light Gala in Edmonton, AB, held in support of building a more inclusive and accepting society for all, including people living with HIV.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/government-of-canada-improves-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/charity-hockey-game-march-11-2026-kingston-police-vs-ndss/Join us on March 11th, 2026 in Napanee (11:30 to 1:00PM) for a Charity Hockey Game featuring Kingston Police vs NDSS students! The game is shaping up to be a lively and community‑driven event, featuring: New team jerseys and socks for the Kingston Police roster Kingston Police Force volunteers on-site, including a special appearance by mascot Officer Blue Event promotion by the Napanee Beaver and MyFM Support from RBC volunteersWed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/charity-hockey-game-march-11-2026-kingston-police-vs-ndss/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/two-years-after-landmark-report-renewed-action-is-needed-as-homelessness-continues-to-rise/Two years after the release of her landmark report on homeless encampments, the Federal Housing Advocate continues to urge all levels of government to do more to address the human rights crisis of homeless encampments in Canada. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Canada continues to rise. Figures show the number of people living unsheltered has more than doubled in recent years – an increase of 107% between 2020-2022 and 2024. In Ontario alone, a report published in January by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario identified 85,000 people experiencing homelessness in the province in 2025. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people continue to be grossly over-represented in these numbers.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/two-years-after-landmark-report-renewed-action-is-needed-as-homelessness-continues-to-rise/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/brockvilles-coldest-night-of-the-year-walk-raises-nearly-27k-for-homelessness-supports/Community members from Brockville and the surrounding area bundled up against the winter cold Feb. 28, 2026 to raise funds and awareness for local housing and homelessness supports during this year’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk. CNOY is an annual national fundraiser, which is held on Feb. 28Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/brockvilles-coldest-night-of-the-year-walk-raises-nearly-27k-for-homelessness-supports/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/improving-the-health-of-men-and-boys-in-canada/The Government of Canada is engaging provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners and key stakeholders to develop a Men and Boys' Health Strategy. The goal is to create supportive and safe environments, challenge harmful stereotypes, reduce stigma and encourage men of all ages to seek help when they need it. Improving the health of men and boys is a shared effort. The factors that lead to poorer health outcomes for men and boys are complex and interrelated, and don't begin in adulthood. Complete the questionnaire by June 1, 2026.Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/improving-the-health-of-men-and-boys-in-canada/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/shifting-threshold-of-serious-non-compliance-in-canadian-charity-law/In Canadian tax law, being a “registered charity” is a mark of public trust and regulatory approval, granting the ability to issue official donation receipts. As the regulatory landscape evolves in 2026, there is growing concern that “serious non-compliance” is shifting from intentional wrongdoing to a focus on administrative accuracy. This trend prompts the question: must charities now not only pursue their social mission but also maintain impeccable internal controls and reporting?Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/shifting-threshold-of-serious-non-compliance-in-canadian-charity-law/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/red-cap-program-teaches-children-skills-to-prevent-bullying/Across the country, The Salvation Army runs Red Cap, a program for children between the ages of eight and 12 that provides participants with tools to understand and manage their emotions, helping prevent bullying.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/red-cap-program-teaches-children-skills-to-prevent-bullying/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canada-post-community-foundation/The 2026 application form will be available from Monday, February 9 to Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2 pm ET. The Canada Post Community Foundation is a registered charity distributing grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that provide programming to children and youth (up to age 21). Every dollar raised goes directly to recipients – Canada Post covers all administrative costs.Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canada-post-community-foundation/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/breakthrough-t1d-canada-mental-health-and-t1d-community-grants-2026/The Breakthrough T1D Canada 2026 Mental Health and T1D Community Grants Program is an incubator initiative that provides seed funding to organizations ready to transform innovative ideas into successful projects designed to support the mental health and wellness of people living with T1D and their informal caregivers (including parents or guardians, grandparents, partners, and other support networks).    The maximum amount per grant is $35,000. Grants will be a maximum of 18 months in length, with all project activities expected to be completed in that window.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/breakthrough-t1d-canada-mental-health-and-t1d-community-grants-2026/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/highway-of-heroes-procession-honours-hamilton-ontario-soldier-killed-in-latvia/Hamilton’s Sebastian Halmagean made his final journey Tuesday as armed forces members, police and those from the community honoured the life of a soldier killed while serving his country in Latvia.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/highway-of-heroes-procession-honours-hamilton-ontario-soldier-killed-in-latvia/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/paralympic-foundation-of-canadas-paratough-cup-surpasses-3-million-raised-following-recent-calgary-stop/Over $114,000 was raised last Thursday at the ParaTough Cup, the signature fundraising event of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, which supports Para athletes at every stage – from community programs to the podium.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/paralympic-foundation-of-canadas-paratough-cup-surpasses-3-million-raised-following-recent-calgary-stop/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/secretary-of-state-long-announces-renewed-funding-for-tax-clinics-for-the-55th-anniversary-of-the-cvitp/Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, announced the renewal of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant for the next three years. This grant provides eligible community organizations with financial support to help offset the costs of hosting free tax clinics, making it easier for them to continue their important work.Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/secretary-of-state-long-announces-renewed-funding-for-tax-clinics-for-the-55th-anniversary-of-the-cvitp/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/community-tennis-grants-introduces-two-year-funding/After a year of record growth, the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants, presented by National Bank, returns in 2026 with a new two-year grant available for past recipients, as Tennis Canada and National Bank’s investment grows to $125,000.Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/community-tennis-grants-introduces-two-year-funding/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/cicp-2026-surveying-begins-february-4/Surveying for the 2026 Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) officially begins on February 4, 2026, marking the start of another year of real-time insight into the experiences of Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/cicp-2026-surveying-begins-february-4/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/student-led-non-profit-initiative-hosts-free-thrift-event-for-those-in-need/Students from an Edmonton high school kept a non-profit charity initiative alive with a two-day event that provided free clothing and hygiene products to anyone who needs them. Christina Daniel founded Ross Sheppard High School’s Givology in 2024 as a Grade 11 student after learning one of her peers had been facing homelessness.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/student-led-non-profit-initiative-hosts-free-thrift-event-for-those-in-need/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/four-charities-stories-to-watch-in-2026-including-two-happening-now/Goodbye, 2025: when it came to big announcements, 2025 was a relatively underwhelming year for Canada’s charities and non-profits. But what will 2026 hold for the sector? Below, we highlight four developments to keep an eye on in 2026. Already, two of these: the CRA’s move to “axe the fax” and the Lobbying Commissioner’s move to lower the registration threshold for organizations, are well underway.Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/four-charities-stories-to-watch-in-2026-including-two-happening-now/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/2026-the-four-digital-strategy-imperatives-for-canadian-nonprofits/For Canadian nonprofits, 2026 won’t be defined by a single trend, technology, or threat. It will be defined by how well organizations adapt to an environment where demand continues to rise faster than capacity, fundraising models are shifting, digital transformation is uneven, and donors are more diverse in identity and expectation than ever before. In our work at Salytics, we see these pressures playing out in every engagement, from small social service agencies to large federated institutions and they are reshaping how leaders set strategy.Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/2026-the-four-digital-strategy-imperatives-for-canadian-nonprofits/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/strike-out-cancer-goes-national-as-mortgage-industry-aims-to-raise-1m-in-2026/The mortgage industry is once again lacing up its bowling shoes and taking another spin in a collective effort to “Strike Out Cancer” in late February.Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/strike-out-cancer-goes-national-as-mortgage-industry-aims-to-raise-1m-in-2026/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/a-newcomers-story-of-strength-and-courage-watch/Isaac, a caregiver student originally from Kenya, shares his journey of coming to Canada in search of a better future for his family. Arriving in Canada with only one small bag and little support, Isaac faced intense isolation, cold weather, financial hardship, and emotional distress.Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/a-newcomers-story-of-strength-and-courage-watch/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/childrens-miracle-network-1b-health-for-all-kids-pledge/Children’s Miracle Network® (CMN), the charity that focuses solely on raising funds to support the health of all kids, launched The Health For All Kids Impact Pledge today to demonstrate its participation in providing the necessary resources to support the country’s pediatric healthcare demands amid unstable funding sources. The $1 billion, two-year fundraising initiative greatly accelerates the heritage of CMN’s contributions-to-date, as the organization has raised nearly $10 billion for its network of 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada since its inception in 1983.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/childrens-miracle-network-1b-health-for-all-kids-pledge/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadian-charity-opens-relief-hub-for-children-in-gaza/As advocates warn the world is turning away from the suffering in Gaza, a Canadian charity is opening a relief hub to give traumatized children in the enclave access to basic mental health supports and education. “The need is so urgent,” said Usama Khan, an adviser to the head of Human Concern International, a Muslim charity based in Ottawa.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadian-charity-opens-relief-hub-for-children-in-gaza/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/january-2026-grants-for-black-led-nonprofits-and-charities/Welcome to a new year with a new set of Grants Black-led/ B3 Non profits and Charities. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, scaling your impact, or need support for infrastructure and capacity-building, here some current grants to help fund your Black non profit in Canada to check out this month:Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/january-2026-grants-for-black-led-nonprofits-and-charities/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/cnib-partners-with-the-ten-spot-to-launch-braille-nails-in-support-of-braille-literacy/January is Braille Literacy Month in Canada, a time to recognize braille as a cornerstone of literacy, learning, and independence for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. That’s where your hands can help. Funds raised through Braille Nails will help support CNIB’s braille literacy programs, ensuring they have access to instruction, materials, and tools that allow them to learn to read and write independently. Just as we would never question the importance of print literacy for sighted children, children who are blind deserve the same foundation for success.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/cnib-partners-with-the-ten-spot-to-launch-braille-nails-in-support-of-braille-literacy/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/young-donor-teams-up-with-the-salvation-army-to-keep-children-warm/What started with a single $5 donation has now become an annual tradition for Owen Hewett, a 12-year-old from Napanee, Ont., who is passionate about ensuring less fortunate children have appropriate winter wear each Christmas.Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/young-donor-teams-up-with-the-salvation-army-to-keep-children-warm/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/ontario-public-service-employees-raised-175m/Celebrating an Incredible Year of Giving – Thank You for Making 2025 Unforgettable! As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year for Federated Health Charities – and it’s all thanks to YOU, our incredible community of Ontario government employees, volunteers, and donors.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/ontario-public-service-employees-raised-175m/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/tax-deductible-year-end-gifts-make-twice-the-impact-for-people-in-need/Many individuals seeking support have turned to The Salvation Army for food, clothing and practical assistance, with more than three million visits reported last year in Canada and Bermuda. Donors continue to play a crucial role in helping The Salvation Army provide essential services in 400 communities across Canada.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/tax-deductible-year-end-gifts-make-twice-the-impact-for-people-in-need/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadians-giving-less-to-charity-now-than-before-study-finds/Charitable giving in Canada is on the decline, according to the Fraser Institute’s latest generosity index, which analyzed tax returns to track private donations across the country. The study shows that fewer Canadians are donating, and the value of donations has also fallen.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadians-giving-less-to-charity-now-than-before-study-finds/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canada-advances-first-nations-led-new-path-forward-on-long-term-reform-of-the-first-nations-child-and-family-services-program/The Government of Canada is committed to advancing long-term reform alongside First Nations across the country—so child and family services put children, families, and communities at the centre of care. Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, announced that the Government of Canada will be submitting a detailed plan to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program — one that respects regional approaches while operating within a coherent national framework.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canada-advances-first-nations-led-new-path-forward-on-long-term-reform-of-the-first-nations-child-and-family-services-program/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/protecting-fresh-water-canada-water-agency-invests-over-45-million-in-39-new-projects/Today, the Honorable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced over $4.5 million in funding for 39 new freshwater projects.Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/protecting-fresh-water-canada-water-agency-invests-over-45-million-in-39-new-projects/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/charitable-giving-on-the-decline-in-canada/There would have been 1.5 million more Canadians who donated to charity in 2023—and $755.5 million more in donations—had Canadians given to the same extent they did 10 years priorTue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/charitable-giving-on-the-decline-in-canada/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/salvation-army-christmas-campaign-down-nearly-50-per-cent-as-kettles-go-unstaffed/Nine days before Christmas, the Salvation Army is launching a desperate appeal for volunteers. The agency reports its seasonal goal is off by nearly 50 per cent, simply because of a lack of people to staff its Christmas kettles.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/salvation-army-christmas-campaign-down-nearly-50-per-cent-as-kettles-go-unstaffed/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/how-culture-shapes-volunteerism-in-canada/A recent Statistics Canada report shows differences in volunteerism rates by race and immigration status. About 70 per cent of racialized Canadians volunteered in 2023, compared with 74 per cent of white Canadians. Both groups were significantly more likely to volunteer informally, by directly helping people, than to volunteer formally with an organization.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/how-culture-shapes-volunteerism-in-canada/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadian-donations-to-charity-take-a-hit-drop-to-all-time-low-study-shows/A new study from the Fraser Institute on Canadian generosity has found that the number of Canadians donating to charity dropped to the lowest point in two decades in 2023. The Canadian public policy think tank study showed that around one-in-six Canadians — or just under 17 per cent — are making charitable donations on their tax returns.Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/canadian-donations-to-charity-take-a-hit-drop-to-all-time-low-study-shows/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/some-provinces-are-selling-us-booze-again-with-a-holiday-twist-is-yours-one-of-them/How are Canadians feeling about buying American these days? Well, when it comes to U.S. alcohol, many are again raising a glass. But that doesn't mean their elbows are down.Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/some-provinces-are-selling-us-booze-again-with-a-holiday-twist-is-yours-one-of-them/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/the-steelworkers-humanity-fund-distributes-300000-to-131-food-banks-across-canada/The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is significantly ramping up its annual donations to food banks across the country this year. Faced by an uncertain economic environment marked by loss of employment, inflation and growing inequality, Canadians of all walks of life, including children, increasingly must use food banks to make ends meet. In this context, the SHF is contributing $300,000 to 131 food banks and community organizations across Canada in 2025.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/the-steelworkers-humanity-fund-distributes-300000-to-131-food-banks-across-canada/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/its-hard-to-take-huge-haul-of-donations-destined-for-hurricane-ravaged-jamaica-stolen-from-mississauga-storage-unit/Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/its-hard-to-take-huge-haul-of-donations-destined-for-hurricane-ravaged-jamaica-stolen-from-mississauga-storage-unit/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/new-report-reveals-canadians-struggling-with-rising-costs/A new national report highlights that managing limited financial resources remains the most common challenge for Canadians—with the cost of living continuing to top household concerns. With need rising in communities nationwide, The Salvation Army is calling on Canadians to give generously this holiday season.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/new-report-reveals-canadians-struggling-with-rising-costs/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/joint-statement-celebrating-international-volunteer-day/On International Volunteer Day, Canada recognizes the incredible volunteers in Canada and around the world whose efforts power not-for-profit organizations, charities and countless community initiatives.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/joint-statement-celebrating-international-volunteer-day/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/salvation-army-makes-familys-first-christmas-in-canada-special/When Ouafaa Eladmi and her family moved to Canada three years ago, she knew they were embarking on a transitional period that might require some sacrifices, one of them being the Christmas season. The family, originally from Casablanca, Morocco, first had to adapt to their new surroundings. The move from a big city to a small town such as High River, Alta., was a significant change. With no family or many friends around, Ouafaa was expecting a toned-down Christmas.Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/salvation-army-makes-familys-first-christmas-in-canada-special/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/kingston-chooses-community-leaders-for-canada-150-celebrations/A self-described chronic volunteer will be one of 13 Kingstonians representing the city as a Community Leader in 2017 as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday. Megan McKever, 28, volunteers with the Red Cross as an emergency response team member and with local organization Kenya Help and the Girl Guides of Canada. In her free time, the Barrie native, who came to Kingston to study sociology and history at Queen's University, is an event co-ordinator by trade but works as a financial assistant at the chemical engineering department at Queen's.Sun, 11 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/kingston-chooses-community-leaders-for-canada-150-celebrations/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/ygkchallenge-operation-red-nose/The #ygkchallenge is an ongoing series where we dare you to be different, resolve to be better, and or do something awesome in support of our beloved community. Each week, Kingstonist establishes a new, ambitious or quirky goal, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and do something great, and hopefully a little out of the ordinary. By taking part in this community-wide initiative, we hope to make Kingston (and the world) a slightly better place to live, work and play.Thu, 01 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/ygkchallenge-operation-red-nose/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/kingston-police-donate-20000-from-napec-to-united-way/The success of the 2016 North American Police Equestrian Championships held here in Kingston will directly benefit countless charities and agencies throughout the area. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Kingston Police announced the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) as the charity of choice to receive all proceeds from the North American Police Equestrian Championships (NAPEC), which Kingston Police hosted at the former Kingston Penitentiary over four days in September of this year. The event was one of four Kingston Police has hosted this year to mark their 175th anniversary, and was an incredible success, thanks to the countless volunteers and organizers who helped make the event happen, said Kingston Police Chief Gilles Larochelle, calling NAPEC a “very, very special event.”Sun, 20 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/kingston-police-donate-20000-from-napec-to-united-way/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/a-guide-to-kingstons-13th-annual-nightime-santa-parade/It's that time of year again - time to welcome Santa to the Limestone City. On Nov. 19, the man in red will arrive and as always he will be greeted by Kingston's spectacular nighttime parade. While the parade is always fun for everyone in the city, it also comes with some road closures. Here is a list, complete with times, to help you navigate the city during Santa's arrival. Kingston Police is happy to once again participate in and provide traffic control for the 2016 Nighttime Santa Parade.Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/a-guide-to-kingstons-13th-annual-nightime-santa-parade/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/vigil-casts-light-on-mental-illness/A high school student used the light from dozens of small candles Friday morning to illuminate the need to better support those struggling with mental illness. Caleb Stringer, a student at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School who was himself diagnosed with depression two years ago, organized a lunchtime candlelight vigil in the school chapel to bring awareness to the issue of mental illness and "to reach those living in darkness."Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/vigil-casts-light-on-mental-illness/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/operation-red-nose-launches-for-2016-holiday-season/There is never an excuse for drinking and driving, but even more so now that Operation Red Nose is in full swing after launching their 2016 Kingston campaign on Wednesday, Nov. 16. One of the largest and most successful Operation Red Nose campaigns in Ontario, Operation Red Nose Kingston aims to keep impaired drivers off the road by offering free rides and a car pick-up service to those in the area.Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/operation-red-nose-launches-for-2016-holiday-season/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/operation-red-nose-back-for-2016-holidays/Operation Red Nose is back in Kingston and the surrounding area for the 2016 holiday season to provide festive partygoers with a safe ride home. The volunteer designated driver service provides drivers who may have had too many festive beverages a ride home in their own car. The service is free, but donations are welcome. Their goal is to raise $20,000 for youth programming.Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/operation-red-nose-back-for-2016-holidays/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/volunteers-key-to-kettle-campaign/The kettle bells will be ringing for the start of the holiday season starting this Friday with the launch of the Salvation Army’s annual Kettle Campaign. The goal for the 2016 Kettle Campaign is to raise $290,000. “That’s about $6,000 more than we raised last year,” Sam MacLeod, Kingston’s new Kettle Campaign co-ordinator, said.Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/volunteers-key-to-kettle-campaign/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/why-you-should-volunteer-abroad-this-summer/Well hello summer! You’re finally here, forcing your unyielding heat and lengthy daylight hours on anyone who will listen. As the season rolls in, you are probably contemplating where you should go for your summer vacation. Have you ever considered volunteering abroad?Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/why-you-should-volunteer-abroad-this-summer/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/employee-volunteering-extends-to-the-polling-booth/Part of community impact is engaging in the civic life of communities, and that starts with electing national and local leaders. Holding elections hinges on the help of volunteers, so this area is one that’s ripe for employee involvement.Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/employee-volunteering-extends-to-the-polling-booth/https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/volunteering-abroad-doesnt-have-to-be-an-introverts-nightmare/Voluntourism has a bad reputation. It's supposed to help vulnerable communities, but often it seems like the only people to benefit are the volunteers, who get new content for their resume and photos for their Instagram.Thu, 18 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0500https://volunteerkingston.ca/community-news/volunteering-abroad-doesnt-have-to-be-an-introverts-nightmare/