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This week, Ontario is celebrating Nonprofit Appreciation Week from February 10 to 14. This annual recognition celebrates the critical role nonprofit organizations and their staff play in building strong, healthy communities in their province.
Even though Saskatchewan does not have an officially proclaimed day or week, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on how the nonprofit sector in our province plays a vital role in positively impacting our lives. There are an estimated 8,000 nonprofit and charitable organizations in Saskatchewan, providing an incredible range of programs and services that benefit residents of all ages in all areas of the province. Here is just a sampling of the many services provided: mental health education and support; sport and recreation programming; emergency response; after school programs; family resource centres; multicultural awareness and education; childcare centres; food banks; gender-based violence supports; wildlife rehabilitation; museums and heritage societies; employment preparation; youth drop-in centres; summer camps; housing and homelessness supports; addictions treatment; seniors care; poverty reduction; justice system supports; youth mentoring; and much, much more. The provision of these services is delivered by more than 77,000 professional employees, more than the constructions, agriculture, and mining and oil and gas industries in Saskatchewan. Employees typically earn up to 20% less than their counterparts in other sectors; 80% are women; a growing number are racialized or immigrants; and many employers are unable to offer health and dental or pension plan benefits. Saskatchewan has consistently benefitted from a high level of volunteerism, with more than half the province’s population aged 15 and older engaged in volunteer activities. Volunteers coach sport and recreation activities; provide added care to seniors; package and deliver food; operate museums; serve on Boards and committees; organize events, and more. Approximately one-quarter of organizations have no paid staff and rely entirely on volunteers for their activities. Finally, the sector is often overlooked for its economic contributions. In Saskatchewan the sector contributes an estimated $6.3 billion to the economy, representing 8% of GDP. With the economic activity generated, the number employed, and most importantly the benefits delivered, the nonprofit sector plays an important role in the province’s economic environment. Imagine – how would our quality of life and wellbeing be impacted without this sector in our province? In our communities? In our daily lives? Today, let’s give gratitude for the organizations and people who are there when we need them, and let’s not forget them when we don’t but someone else does. Resources: Imagine Canada Volunteer Canada SNP Resources
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