A new Statistics Canada study shows a significant dip in volunteering participation from 2018 to 2023.

Since it was released, I’ve seen a number of articles pointing to it as an example of what an awful state the volunteering sector is in. Sorry, I don’t buy into what the doomsayers are coming out with.

I’m not blind or naive. There has been a frightening drop in volunteers and volunteering hours over that time period. For instance:

• The overall volunteer rate in Canada fell from 79% to 73%, and total volunteering hours dropped by about 18%, from five ?billion to 4.1?billion hours.

• Formal volunteering fell sharply. The rate decreased from 41% to 32%, with hours down 28%, to 1.2?billion.

Those figures are scary, but buried among them are hopeful signs that speak to (volunteers’) strength. A core group of dedicated volunteers stayed steadfast. Though total volunteer hours dropped, the top 10% of volunteers, those who donate the most time, kept going strong. Those individuals still provided more than 60% of volunteer hours. The surface may have shifted but the core held firm.

Those volunteers are community anchors. Their commitment ensures programs survive downturns and bounce back quickly. Take care of them.

It’s a reminder to double-down on engaging diverse groups. Women, young adults (25–34) and those with........

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