Welcoming Remarks to the UVic Retirees Association Volunteer Recognition Lunch

Welcoming Remarks to the UVic Retirees Association Volunteer Recognition Lunch

Grant Hughes, Director of Community Relations, University of Victoria

April 23, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much for inviting me to bring to you today the appreciation of UVic for all that the UVRA does- especially during National Volunteer Week.

As one of the initiatives of the previous UVic Strategic Plan it was identified that the UVRA should have a named point of contact with UVic. As the position description was created for the job that I applied for, and was selected for, the role of UVic Liaison to the UVRA was established.

During the time that I have served as the UVic Liaison to the UVRA it has been my pleasure to learn about the range of the work that your members do to support the university. So, my thanks to you for developing Masterminds 2013- I am excited to see the largest turnouts ever for these important lectures. I am also pleased to have been able to get to know many of you as UVic helped to sponsor the CURAC Conference and appreciate your ongoing support for the UVic United Way campaigns, amongst many other activities in the faculties and units across campus. I also recognize the role of the entire UVRA team that is supportive of the planning of an Elder Academy.

To further document my support for you- I have joined as a UVRA member, since I am chronologically qualified although not retired.

As you will know, UVic has specifically recognized and affirmed our retirees once again in the new UVic Strategic Plan. It is clear that UVic retirees are a valuable resource who contribute greatly to the UVic mission.

I completely understand that you are a volunteer based organization and so it is extremely important to recognize all of the work of volunteers. In fact, 13.3 million Canadians contribute 2.1 billion hours, the equivalent of 1.1 million full-time jobs on an annual basis as volunteers in our nation. Volunteers typically contribute 156 hours per year, with many in the UVRA likely contributing more than the average.

This includes some of the activities that I mentioned earlier, but also volunteering at the office, serving on the committees, taking on specific tasks, sending out information, making sure UVRA finances are in order, compiling and distributing the newsletter, serving on the Speakers Bureau, hosting the CURAC Conference and leading interviews for the UVRA 50th Anniversary Project.

     So, on behalf of the University of Victoria, I would like to thank you for all that you do, and acknowledge your voluntary contributions - especially during this National Volunteer Week.