International Volunteer Day 2023
December 5, 2023 | Canada
As we marked International Volunteer Day on Tuesday, December 5, we reflected on the enduring tradition of voluntary service in our Jamat. Serving others with humility, graciousness and generosity of spirit has always been a core part of our ethics.
This year's International Volunteer Day theme was "If everyone did..." centering on the immense power of collective action through volunteering. It reminds us that when we all pitch in, even with small acts of service, it can add up to make a monumental positive difference.
As Mawlana Hazar Imam said in his address to the Canadian Parliament in 2014:
“The Canadian spirit resonates with a cherished principle in Shia Ismaili culture – the importance of contributing one’s individual energies on a voluntary basis to improving the lives of others. This is not a matter of philanthropy, but rather of self-fulfillment – ‘enlightened self-fulfillment’.”
This International Volunteer Day, as we celebrate those who give their precious time and skills in service to others, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding this timeless tradition of generosity and care.
Whether through formal volunteer roles, small acts of kindness or simply an attitude of goodwill, when we serve with sincerity we build bonds between people and spread light even through life's difficulties. That is the spirit we celebrate today.
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Video: A Century Of Service
This popular film from our archives looks back on a century of service by Ismaili Volunteers, and includes stories about the history of uniformed volunteering in different parts of the world, and an explanation of the Time and Knowledge Nazrana initiative established by Mawlana Hazar Imam during his Golden Jubilee.
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