The Youth Volunteer Coalition, of which Canada World Youth is a member, gathered over 2,000 signatures for its petition during International Volunteer Day in Montreal on December 5.

The petition urges the Government of Canada to take measures to allow more young Canadians to participate in volunteer programs in Canada and abroad.

An event that is making waves
The day raised public awareness of the cause of youth volunteerism, particularly through wide media exposure. The TVA network and Montreal dailies La Presse and Journal de Montréal covered the event and were present at the press briefing by Justin Trudeau, Youth Volunteer Coalition spokesman.

Canada World Youth wishes to highlight the sterling efforts made by the 27 volunteers from member organizations of the Coalition who joined forces to make the event a success: CWY, Katimavik, Oxfam-Québec, Clowns sans frontières and Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie. Other public awareness activities were held simultaneously in Halifax, Toronto and Edmonton. 

Toasting the work of international volunteers
In parallel with the signing blitz, Canada World Youth, together with its partners in the Coalition of volunteer cooperation agencies (SUCO, CUSO, CECI/EUMC (Uniterra), Oxfam-Quebec, CCI, VSO, SACO), took part in a social evening to mark International Volunteer Day in Ottawa. Under the theme International Volunteers: Passion, Impact, Change, guests feted the outstanding contribution of volunteers working abroad.

So you want to change the world? Support the Youth Volunteer Coalition's petition.