‘A week for unsung heroes’: Richmond Hill MPP’s private bill appreciates non-profit sectors’ hard work

Appreciation Week helps close the recognition gap for important but overlooked sector

yorkregion.com
Scarlett Liu
Feb. 25, 2022

Ontario’s first ever Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week took place from Feb. 14 to 20.

Bill 9: An Act to Proclaim Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week was proposed by Richmond Hill MPP Daisy Wai and passed third reading in the Ontario legislature with unanimous, all-party support last December. It's intended to recognize a wide array of work that transforms the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Ontario.

The non-profit sector in Ontario is the largest in Canada. It includes more than 58,000 registered charities and non-profit organizations that benefit the communities in so many ways, delivering programs that improve residents’ collective quality of life.

“The heroic work done by non-profit organizations often goes unnoticed and should be acknowledged as this sector is crucial to Ontario’s social and economic development,” a Feb. 14 Ontario government news release stated.

It has been difficult to hold fundraising events during the pandemic. The Ontario government has provided almost $130 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help non-profits adapt to the challenges created by the pandemic and ensure they can continue to provide the best service possible.

“We all need to appreciate the hard-working professionals in the non-profit sector, especially during the pandemic period when its services are so much needed and volunteers and donations have dropped,” said Wai.

The Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week was about bringing many positive impacts, such as helping ignite the passion and the performance of workers who are understandably exhausted and feeling burned out, Wai pointed out.

Wai encouraged everyone to celebrate these Invisible Champions in their communities. “Their sense of dedication, powered by their personal vision and mission has supported them through many challenges, but our appreciation and support for them will go a long way, even if it's just a card, a few words, or a pat on their shoulders,” she said.

The pandemic has more than doubled the workload of many non-profits, as many people were forced to isolate themselves, many had no access to groceries, and volunteers were unable to help in person. It was with the support of all the professionals in the non-profit sector that people got through the toughest times, Wai said.

Premier Doug Ford expressed his gratitude to Wai for putting forward Bill 9 and being a strong champion for the sector.

“This is an opportunity for all Ontarians to celebrate the incredible professionals in the non-profit sector for everything they do to help those in need,” said Ford. “I want to personally thank each and every one of you for going above and beyond throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic to support their communities and protect the most vulnerable. They truly represent the best of the Ontario spirit.”

Wai encourages everyone to work together to support non-profits and appeals to all Ontarians to volunteer, donate and foster impactful change in their communities.

“For the past two years, many organizations have not been able to have fundraising events, but it should not stop our continued support for them,” she said. “The non-profit sector has helped to build our province, and now it is our turn to build them up.”

She asks people to do whatever they can to help and to not forget to donate even if there is no fundraiser.