Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. ~Elizabeth Andrew

I have a great respect for people who volunteer their time to help others or a cause they believe in. I grew up watching my mom volunteer countless hours for years. We used to go with her canvassing for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. She also volunteered at our school helping out on hot dog day, craft fairs and even as a lice lady. She’s a pretty special person and a wonderful role model. As an adult now, it’s in my blood to want to help others. I don’t even think twice about it.

Canada is full of amazing volunteers like my mom. Post Foods Canada Inc. recently conducted a study with some interesting findings and cemented in my mind what I knew already. We are a nation of helpers. Check out these stats!

• Almost 70% of Canadians volunteer because they feel it’s the right thing to do
• Almost 70% of Canadians volunteer their time to help someone they know with things like errands and snow removal
• 90% of Canadians think it’s important to give back, and over half volunteer their time, with almost 60% volunteering at least once a week or more
• 60% of Canadians who volunteer do so for local, community-based organizations
• Almost 80% of Canadian believe that genuine goodness is strongly associated with those who volunteer
• More than 90% of Canadians feel a sense of pride and goodness after they volunteer
• Almost 90% of Canadians agree that volunteerism is an important function in building a strong community

Giving back just feels good and it’s pretty obvious that Canadians agree.

Shreddies “Search for Goodness”

The search is on! Post Shreddies has recently launched its third annual Shreddies “Search for Goodness”, a national search where they recognize individuals for their selfless commitment to their community. They believe that there is Genuine Goodness in every Canadian and it deserves to be celebrated. I agree! Volunteers deserve to be recognized for all they do to help others.

Do you know someone from your family or community who goes above and beyond to help others? If you do, share their story on www.searchforgoodness.ca! The winning story will be told in a Post Shreddies’ ad to be shared with all of Canada. How is that for recognition?!

Nominate a Volunteer

Nominating a person is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit www.searchforgoodness.ca before May 10, 2015
• Complete the entry form
• Upload a photo of your nominee (optional)
• Tell Shreddies why this person is a genuinely good person in no more than 250 words

Once a person has been nominated, Canadians can vote for their favourite story once a day to help the nominee make it into the top 10 finalists. The top 10 stories will make the shortlist of nominees, and the winner will be selected by a panel of judges at Post Foods Canada Inc. The winning story will be told in a Post Shreddies’ ad.

If you aren’t sure who to nominate, you can still vote on your favourite story. Visit the site to read others’ stories. I checked out a few and they warmed my heart!

Last year’s lucky winners were sisters, Julia and Emma Mogus, from Oakville. They were recognized for helping youth in remote Northern Ontario communities by donating books.

Ready to nominate someone special? Visit Shreddies “Search for Goodness” now to share a story and learn more about this awesome campaign!

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Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.