Quebec’s nonprofit sector is navigating a shift in how residents donate their time,with a new report highlighting a trend toward shorter,more flexible volunteer commitments. Teh Réseau de l’action bénévole du Québec (RABQ) survey reveals organizations are adapting to maintain vital services as volunteers increasingly prioritize time constraints and targeted opportunities. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for groups reliant on community support across the province.
Nonprofit organizations across Quebec are facing a shift in volunteer patterns, with individuals offering their time in smaller increments rather than committing to long-term engagements. This trend is prompting organizations to adapt their recruitment and training strategies to maintain service levels, according to a recent report.
“People are giving fewer hours than they used to. They’re going to choose their volunteer work. They’re going to approach it based on time capsules they have available rather than a long-term commitment,” explained Marilyne Fournier, Director General of the Réseau de l’action bénévole du Québec (RABQ). The findings stem from a survey published in December by the RABQ, aimed at assessing the current state of volunteerism in the province.
The change manifests as a fragmentation of volunteer hours. While the total number of volunteers hasn’t necessarily decreased, organizations are finding they need to engage more individuals to cover the same workload. For example, someone who previously dedicated 10 hours a month might now contribute 2-3 hours, requiring organizations to onboard and train a larger pool of volunteers to maintain consistent service delivery.
Mentorship programs, like those offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters, rely heavily on volunteer support. (Photo archive)
Photo : getty images/istockphoto / fizkes
Organizations are recognizing this collective challenge. “It’s a problem that affects everyone,” noted Alexann D’Avignon, Development Advisor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quebec. “All organizations are soliciting volunteers.”
Increasingly Specific Needs, Declining Volunteer Pool
Some organizations face additional constraints. Meals on Wheels, for instance, cannot easily adjust its delivery schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. “We can’t say we’ll deliver meals in the evening to accommodate volunteers who are only available then,” Fournier stated. This inflexibility underscores the operational challenges facing organizations with time-sensitive services.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quebec is experiencing a similar issue, with a specific need for male mentors. “We have over 40 young people on a waiting list, the majority of whom are boys because they want to be matched with a Big Brother. The most difficult part is recruiting men,” D’Avignon explained. The demand for specific volunteer profiles highlights the need for targeted recruitment efforts.
Organizations acknowledge the time commitment required. “We ask for a one-year commitment to ensure the child feels secure, to foster the development of the relationship, and to avoid a sense of abandonment. So, we ask for two meetings a month, lasting approximately 3 to 5 hours each, totaling 6 to 10 hours monthly, along with regular check-ins with the organization,” D’Avignon detailed.
Operation Red Nose generally maintains a consistent volunteer base, but recruitment remains a challenge. (Photo archive)
Photo : Courtesy of Operation Red Nose
During the holiday season, Operation Red Nose also relies on a significant number of volunteers. According to the organization’s Director General, the festive spirit may play a role. “Perhaps a little bit of the magic of the holidays gets mixed in. Operation Red Nose is known for being festive, so that certainly helps us.” However, even at Operation Red Nose, volunteer renewal isn’t necessarily easier. Marilyn Vigneault noted that the volunteer base “consists of people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. These are the predominant age groups, followed by those 61 and older. Inevitably, this demographic is more difficult to renew, as you can understand.”
The Challenge of Raising Organizational Awareness
Lack of awareness is a leading reason cited by respondents to the RABQ survey for not volunteering.
Maryline Fournier believes this data should serve as a catalyst for organizations in the evolving landscape of volunteerism. “We surveyed 2,300 volunteers and 5,000 people who don’t volunteer. When we asked the 5,000 non-volunteers why they don’t volunteer, 35% gave one of the following answers: ‘I don’t know where to go; no one asked me; I haven’t had the opportunity.’ What this tells us is that organizations need to ask! Let people know you need volunteers.”
Leaders interviewed emphasized the impact of volunteering, stating it allows individuals to “make a difference” in the lives of those served by these organizations.
With information from Gabriel Paré-Asatoory and Marie-Pier Mercier
