International Volunteer Year

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026), emphasizing volunteerism as a vital element of sustainable development.

The world is officially acknowledging what we experience daily at FortWhyte Alive: Volunteers are the driving force behind a sustainable future.

International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) kicked off on December 5, 2025, marking International Volunteer Day and a global celebration of volunteers. In the past year alone, 550 volunteers logged more than 17,300 hours with FortWhyte Alive, an incredible contribution that leaves our whole organization feeling deeply grateful.

“In all my years working in education, I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like the volunteer community here at FortWhyte Alive. They are the true heartbeat of our programming—simply put, we couldn’t run our programs without them. Our volunteers aren’t just exceptional at what they do; they are truly exceptional people who bring so much heart and skill to everything they touch. The level of dedication they show every single day is beyond impressive, and it’s a total privilege to work alongside a group so committed to what we do.”

— Sarah Carter, Director of Education

Volunteering is one of the simplest ways to make a difference. It’s about giving your time, skills and energy to help others or support a cause you care about. Sometimes that means joining an organized program with a charity or nonprofit. Other times, it’s the everyday acts like helping a neighbour, supporting a friend or lending a hand in your community.

In fact, volunteering is more common than you might think. Around the world, an estimated one billion people volunteer. About 70% do so informally, helping neighbours, friends or community members directly. The other 30% volunteer through organizations such as charities and nonprofits.

At FortWhyte Alive, we see the power of volunteering firsthand. Over the past year, 550 volunteers dedicated more than 17,300 hours to supporting our programs, landscapes and community experiences. Our entire organization is deeply grateful for their time and commitment.

Volunteerism takes many forms. Some people contribute to local initiatives like community programs or food banks, while others volunteer online or internationally, using their skills to support projects around the world.

No matter the setting, volunteers are known for their resilience and compassion. Often working in challenging environments, they bring creativity, empathy, and dedication to the communities and causes they care about.

“The International Volunteer Year 2026 highlights the essential role volunteers play in advancing global goals, fostering resilience, and driving collective progress. Governments, organizations, and communities are encouraged to recognize and support volunteers by creating safe, inclusive environments and integrating volunteering into policies.”