Volunteers giving time and efforts to better their community highlighted in report

DARTMOUTH, NS – You don’t have to look far to see dedicated volunteers in Nova Scotia. Around every corner someone is trying to help someone else, whether it be to provide a hot meal, warm clothing or school supplies family.

“I think volunteerism drives the economy at Souls Harbour and like charities,” said Michelle Porter with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. “We are known for making every penny stretch right, how do you do that except for getting people in the community to say ‘hey, we see what your doing, we like it, and we want to help.'”

It’s that drive to better the communities we live in that has become a focal point of the 2015 Vital Signs Report. This year, the report examined the province’s social sector.

“That social sector includes all of our charities, our cooperatives, our social enterprises and all of the non profits that everyday make a contribution to improve our communities and make Nova Scotia a place we want to live,” said Angela Bishop with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.

It’s the work of this social sector that will help the province reach the goals set out in the Ivany report.

“If a community is stronger, businesses are stronger, and government don’t need to put as much money into it,” said Lynne McCarron with United Way Cape Breton.

The report found that each year the volunteer hours contributed by Nova Scotians equates to $1.8 billion dollars in services. Although all ages volunteer, there is a high percentage of young people getting involved and giving their time.

“Over 60% of Nova Scotia youth volunteer, and they contribute more volunteer hours in Nova Scotia than any other province,” Bishop said.

The Vital Signs Report says only 54% of non profit enterprises have access to the funds they require. Those who work in the social sector are using the report to have a conversation about how they can better invest and collaborate with other groups.

“Two businesses wouldn’t open in the exact same location, selling the exact same product for the exact same price, so for non profits, we have to look at that,” added McCarron.