As the United Nations marks 2026 as the International Volunteer Year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada invites individuals, families and community organizations to take part through JustServe>, a free, easy-to-use app and website platform that links willing volunteers with real needs in their communities. At a time when service is urgently needed to strengthen communities, foster resilience and improve well-being, JustServe offers a simple way for Canadians to get involved.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently extended this invitation: “Over the next 12 months, I urge everyone, everywhere to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. In times of crisis and uncertainty, you can be the change you wish to see.”
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Service Strengthens Communities
International Volunteer Day on December 5, 2025, launched the year-long global effort to recognize and elevate the impact of volunteers worldwide. The UN Knowledge Portal on Volunteerism states: “By promoting volunteerism, we open doors for people to contribute their time, skills and passion to causes that matter, helping to build stronger communities, foster solidarity and ensure that everyone has a role in creating positive change.”
Melissa Mullis, executive director of the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub, a food bank serving Medicine Hat, Alberta, and surrounding areas, said, “JustServe has been an incredible partner to the Root Cellar, helping connect us with dedicated volunteers who are eager to make a difference. Through their platform, we’re able to reach people who want to give back in meaningful ways, strengthening our programs and expanding our impact in the community. Their support plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission and ensure that no one in our community goes without support.”
Declining Rates of Volunteerism
Volunteerism across Canada is declining. In 2018, 79% of Canadians participated in formal and informal volunteer activities, but that rate dropped to 73% in 2023. While Canadians contributed five billion formal and informal volunteer hours in 2018, that dropped to 4.1 billion hours by 2023. On average, people who volunteered contributed 33 fewer hours in 2023 than in 2018.
As volunteering declines nationwide, community needs continue to rise. Volunteer Canada recently highlighted on their website the urgent need to revitalize volunteerism, noting that while Canadians have a long tradition of service, participation rates have declined as demands on the volunteer sector have increased.
In response, the organization launched a national campaign called “Ignite Volunteerism.” It states: “At its core, Ignite Volunteerism means inspiring Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic actions and mutual support.” The campaign invites Canadians to “find your thing” and discover personal ways to contribute.
The JustServe app and website help volunteers connect with community needs. “JustServe removes many of the barriers people face when they want to help but don’t know where to start,” said David and Karri Stewart, Canada JustServe specialists. “It connects willing hands with real needs in local communities and helps service become part of everyday life. JustServe helps us all link arms and makes serving accessible, meaningful and sustainable.”
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In proclaiming 2026 as the International Volunteer Year, the UN recognizes that volunteerism is key to achieving its sustainable development goals, including goals to end poverty and hunger; achieve food security; improve nutrition; ensure healthy lives and equitable and inclusive quality education; make cities inclusive, safe and resilient; and take urgent action to combat climate change. Most JustServe projects directly contribute to and support these sustainable development goals.
Lori LaFrance, a newly called Canada Area organization adviser, shared this insight about volunteerism and service: “Service is one of the most direct ways we live the two great commandments — to love God and to love our neighbour. As individuals and families across Canada serve those around them, they follow the Saviour’s example of lifting burdens and strengthening homes and communities.”
Changemakers
International Volunteer Year 2026 frames volunteers as “changemakers” whose contributions strengthen communities and improve quality of life. JustServe invites individuals and families across Canada to be “changemakers” by answering the call to love our neighbours through simple, consistent acts of service in our communities.