Volunteering in British Columbia

The volunteer and community services sector contributes to local economies, encourages innovation and helps individuals achieve personal growth and career development. Volunteer and community service organizations provide a vast range of arts, cultural, educational, environmental, health, social, advocacy and recreational services.

B.C. volunteer statistics by community ( PDF 7k)

• As of 1997 over one million or 32% of all British Columbians volunteered nearly 169 million hours. These efforts have an estimated economic value of $2.7 billion annually.
  
• There are over 21,000 registered societies in B.C., and over half of them are registered charities. These societies rely on volunteers, donations and government funding.
• 28% of youth (15-24 years) volunteer.
  
• 37% of British Columbians between 35 and 44 are involved in volunteer activities, and 24% of all seniors (over 65years) volunteer.
  
• The number of hours contributed increased with age — seniors who volunteer contribute an average of 233 hours per year.
  
• 66% of volunteers are employed.
  
• The proportion of the population volunteering in B.C. has increased over the past decade.
  
• Total volunteer hours have increased by 25% over the past decade.
  
• 56% of volunteers are female, 44% are male.

Source: 1997 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering & Participating