Thompson Community Thrives Through Volunteerism Despite Decline

The Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (TNRC) recently held its annual meeting, showcasing the impact of volunteerism on community health in Thompson, Manitoba. With reports highlighting $47,000 in grants, 345 volunteers mobilized, and over 9,000 individuals served, the gathering underscored a vital narrative beyond mere numbers. Executive Director Oswald Sawh emphasized that without volunteers, many essential services would not exist, stating, “Volunteerism is the backbone of any healthy community.”

Volunteerism: A Critical Component for Community Well-Being

The TNRC has facilitated various initiatives over the past year, from homelessness symposiums to cultural festivals. Renovations on family homes on Juniper Drive have led to significant improvements in local housing conditions. The return of the local newspaper, following the closure of the Thompson Citizen in 2024, showcases the community’s commitment to maintaining a platform for local stories.

Despite these achievements, Sawh pointed out a troubling trend: while local volunteer engagement remains strong, the broader culture of volunteering is waning across Canada. He noted, “If you look across the country, volunteerism in general has been on a decline. You’ll still see people pitch in when it aligns with their own needs, like parents volunteering for their kids’ hockey team, but the broader sense of volunteering just to strengthen community? That’s eroding.”

National Trends Reflect Declining Volunteer Engagement

This observation aligns with data from Statistics Canada, which shows a steady decline in volunteer hours nationwide. Between 2018 and 2023, total volunteer hours fell from 5.0 billion to 4.1 billion, an 18 percent decrease. The overall volunteer rate dropped from 79 percent to 73 percent, with formal volunteering through organizations experiencing a sharper decline—from 41 percent of Canadians in 2018 to just 32 percent in 2023.

The impact of this decline extends beyond numbers; it is felt in the cancellation of programs, closures of charities, and a diminishing sense of belonging within communities. Despite these challenges, Sawh remains optimistic. He believes that individuals can find inspiration in their own stories of service. A former provincial civil servant who retired in 2021, Sawh accepted the leadership role at TNRC because of his commitment to community service.

“I’ve always supported nonprofits and charities. I even received the Prime Minister’s Award for volunteerism years ago,” he reflected. “When I was asked to come on board, I didn’t hesitate. It’s about ensuring our community still has these opportunities.” He urges others to recognize their potential to contribute, stating, “If you want to live in a vibrant community, one with services and opportunities, you need to be part of making that happen.”

Volunteers form the backbone of communities, undertaking various roles from coaching sports teams to running festivals, supporting seniors, fundraising for hospitals, and stocking food banks. While their efforts often go unnoticed, the absence of such support can resonate deeply within communities.

For Thompson, the numbers illustrate a compelling story: thousands assisted, hundreds of volunteers engaged, and substantial funding leveraged. Yet, the more significant truth is that these figures point to a fragile but vital culture of giving. Sawh asserts that the future of communities hinges on the recognition of this truth. “If you want more—more culture, more recreation, more support—the only way is for more people to step up. That spirit of volunteerism is still here. We just need to fan the flame.”