Latest news with #volunteerism
CBC
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
You might not know 97-year-old star citizen Jack Edwards — but here's why you should
At 97, John (Jack) Edwards is a star citizen of Amherstburg, Ont. He doesn't miss a council meeting, sits on the local economic development advisory committee, and every two to three weeks has lunch with the mayor. "I like people. I've always loved being with people," Edwards said, explaining his passion for political volunteerism. "I have always enjoyed being on small committees, very intimate, and that's what this is all about." Passion for local politics Edwards is a beloved member of the community and a close friend of Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue. "Jack is a character. Jack is lovable. Jack is fun.... He's just a good, good guy," Prue said. "I'm so proud he's my friend." Edwards's passion for local politics began many years ago when he lived in nearby Windsor. He joined committees when Bert Weeks was the mayor in the 1970s. Throughout that time, he also went on some exciting "twin city" visits to Europe, including a 1977 trip to England, during which time the group from Windsor in southwestern Ontario was invited to attend a celebration at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth II's 25th anniversary of her coronation. "It was a sensational trip," he recalled. He eventually moved to Toronto to work in the pharmaceutical industry and his political volunteerism was put on pause. Twenty-five years ago he eventually made his way back to Windsor-Essex in retirement and settled in Amherstburg. Appointed every year Meeting Prue drew Edwards back into politics. Prue knocked on Edwards's door while campaigning when he was running for town council (he was elected in 2018). That meeting marked the beginning of their friendship and Edwards's return to politics. "He is such a regular, and the town and the council love him," Prue said. "He gets appointed every single year to serve on the [development] committee because he's a fountain of knowledge. He knows everything that has happened around this community for the last, I don't know, 50 or 60 years." During their lunch meetings, Edwards offers advice and helps inform the mayor on what's best for the town. "It's like listening to a whole bunch of really good ideas of what I should do, what the town should do and what he wants to do for economic development. It's just a joy to come with him," Prue said. "Some people don't like modernization, or movement or the town to change, and Jack is steadfast in saying this is what the town needs." Won a special award His efforts haven't gone unnoticed. The mayor explained that earlier this year, the town chose two individuals to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal, given to someone who has made a significant contribution to their community. Prue said the town made sure Edwards was a recipient. "It was humbling," Edwards said. "I'm so proud of it." The mayor also said he believes Edwards is the oldest contributing member to any council committee in all of Ontario. "He comes religiously. He knows what he's talking about. He commands the show," Prue said. Aside from his passion for community engagement, Edwards is deeply proud of his family: his wife, six children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. As for what keeps him going, good health and keeping an active mind are key. "It's when you lose the ability to recognize, to remember — that's when the pain steps in. And that hasn't happened to me yet," he said. "I keep active. I'm on committees, I meet with people, and that's what keeps me feeling great."
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- General
- Emirates 24/7
CDA launches flagship initiative to embed volunteerism across Dubai
As part of its efforts to strengthen civic engagement and foster a culture of giving, the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has announced the launch of the 'Volunteerism Awareness and Engagement' project. The initiative aims to deepen public understanding of volunteerism and empower individuals across all age groups to play an active role in Dubai's development journey—aligned with the objectives of the 'Year of Community'. The project highlights the concept of volunteering, the ecosystem that supports it, and the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. It also encourages participation across all segments of society and serves as a comprehensive platform for individuals to generate measurable social impact—either through field-based contributions or by enhancing their leadership capacities in the volunteer sector. Milestone achievement Reflecting the strong community spirit in the emirate, Dubai has recorded a total of over one million volunteer hours in 2024 — a milestone that underscores both heightened public awareness and strong institutional involvement. According to statistics from CDA's Volunteerism Department, nearly 59,000 volunteers are now registered on its platform. In the first quarter of this year alone, over 18,000 individuals took part in volunteer programmes, contributing more than 500,000 hours of service, equivalent to an estimated economic value of AED40 million. Specialised volunteering is also on the rise, with over 100 skilled opportunities completed by 500 volunteers who contributed a combined total of 8,000 expert hours. Multi-stakeholder ideation workshop As part of its drive to co-create with the community, CDA organised a collaborative ideation workshop that brought together volunteer teams, government entities, charities, senior citizens, and people of determination. The session resulted in a series of inclusive, impact-driven initiatives aligned with the goals of the 'Year of Community'. Among the key outcomes was the formation of Dubai's first volunteer team comprised of people of determination—empowering this segment of society to take on meaningful roles. Likewise, the emirate's first senior citizens' volunteer team was launched with members from the Thukher Club, in recognition of the wisdom and life experience of the older generation. Several other initiatives were introduced, including: • Mothers and Daughters, encouraging compassionate visits to hospital patients • A Day with Senior Citizens, fostering intergenerational bonding • Agriculture Zones, uniting students and the elderly in educational gardening projects • A recycling awareness initiative aimed at promoting environmental responsibility • Volunteer Leadership Hub, a capacity-building programme for developing certified volunteer leaders • National identity programmes such as cultural etiquette ('Sana'a') sessions and national identity storytelling sessions Measurable social impact CDA emphasised that these initiatives represent a strategic shift in mainstreaming volunteerism and broadening inclusive civic participation. The implementation of the initiatives will follow a structured roadmap and rely on robust partnerships with public, private, and community stakeholders to ensure sustainability and maximise on-the-ground impact.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Dh40 million worth of volunteer work contributed by 18,000 individuals in Q1 2024
Nearly 59,000 individuals are now registered on the volunteer platform of Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai — highlighting a growing commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility across the emirate. In just the first quarter of 2024, more than 18,000 volunteers took part in organised programmes, collectively contributing over 500,000 hours of service — equivalent to an estimated Dh40 million in value. Specialised volunteering has also seen growth, with over 500 expert volunteers completing more than 100 assignments, adding 8,000 hours in skilled contributions. The total volunteer hours logged in 2024 have already crossed the one million mark, reflecting both public enthusiasm and institutional support for a more inclusive, service-oriented society. In line with this momentum, the CDA has launched a new initiative titled the 'Volunteerism Awareness and Engagement' project. The programme is part of Dubai's broader 'Year of Community' agenda and aims to strengthen civic participation by promoting a deeper understanding of volunteerism across all age groups. The project not only highlights the value of volunteering and the ecosystem that supports it but also educates the public on volunteer rights and responsibilities. It provides a platform where individuals can create measurable social impact — whether through on-ground activities or by growing into leadership roles in the volunteer sector. Aiming for more engagement To drive deeper engagement, CDA hosted a community ideation workshop that brought together a diverse range of participants, including volunteer teams, government entities, charities, senior citizens, and people of determination. The workshop led to a series of inclusive projects aligned with the goals of the 'Year of Community'. Among the key outcomes was the formation of Dubai's first volunteer team comprised of people of determination — empowering this segment of society to take on meaningful roles. The emirate's first senior citizens' volunteer team was also launched with members from the Thukher Club, in recognition of the wisdom and life experience of the older generation. Several other initiatives were introduced, including: The CDA emphasises that these efforts represent a strategic shift in institutionalising volunteerism in Dubai. Backed by structured implementation plans and strong public-private-community partnerships, the goal is to ensure these programmes are sustainable, scalable, and impactful.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Cares' "Pack for Impact" Initiative unites volunteers to support children across the UAE
Dubai, UAE: Over 100 volunteers from GFH Financial Group, Dubai Cares, and partner organizations came together at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai recently for the 'Pack for Impact' initiative under Dubai Cares' Volunteer Emirates program. During the event, participants assembled 2,000 school kits containing essential learning supplies, supporting children from low-income families across the UAE. Sponsored by GFH Financial Group, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to education, volunteerism, and meaningful community impact. About GFH Financial Group B.S.C. GFH Financial Group, licensed as an Islamic wholesale bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain and headquartered at GFH House, P.O. Box 10006, Manama Sea Front, Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region. Its businesses include Investment Management, Treasury & Proprietary Investments, Commercial Banking and Real Estate Development. The Group's operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the U.S., Europe and U.K. GFH is listed on four stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. About Dubai Cares: Since its inception in 2007, Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been working towards providing children and youth in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programs that aim to be impactful, sustainable and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organization has successfully launched education programs reaching over 116 million individuals in 60 developing countries. Dubai Cares plays a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all, and promote lifelong learning by 2030, by supporting programs in early childhood development, access to quality primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education and training for youth as well as a particular focus on education in emergencies and protracted crises. Moreover, Dubai Cares adopts a strategic approach to improve student enrollment and learning outcomes through an integrated school health and nutrition model that is made up of school-based deworming activities, school feeding, and WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) in schools. Dubai Cares is a civil society organization formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), as well as a registered non-government organization under IACAD, the charitable activities regulator in Dubai. The UAE-based global philanthropic organization is authorized to raise funds through direct donations and fundraising campaigns, as well as process all permit approvals with IACAD. Volunteerism is a powerful tool to Dubai Cares in order to engage people in tackling development challenges. Dubai Cares rallies the UAE wider community through a large spectrum of volunteering and awareness initiatives that are linked to its global mandate.
Fox News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump's visit brings hope and unity after deadly flood, Kerrville residents say
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS – Kerrville residents who lined roads on Friday to welcome President Donald Trump said his visit brought hope and comfort — and marked an important step in the town's long road to healing and rebuilding. The president and First Lady Melania Trump toured the area to assess the devastating damage and met with heartbroken victims' families six days after a powerful flash flood killed at least 103 people and about 160 remain missing after the Guadalupe River surged more than 22 feet in just a matter of hours. Some onlookers waited for hours in the baking Texas heat just to catch a glimpse of the president's motorcade. A roadside portable message board displayed the searing temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Locals told Fox News Digital that the president's compassion in times of crisis has inspired them and that his presence brought national attention to the small, tight-knit town. Several also said his visit spotlighted the wave of local volunteerism, as neighbors have mobilized to help those who lost loved ones or everything they owned. Aliz Tribes, who works at a rehabilitation hospital in Hunt, said Trump's visit was a unifying moment. "It's very significant," said Tribes, who was still visibly shaken by last week's tragedy. "Our country needs to pull together right now and not point fingers at who's right or wrong — but to come here and help us and rebuild our community." "His presence here is very heartfelt. Everyone is pulling together and I have never seen anything like this," she added. "I just feel like he needed to see that we are behind him and we appreciate his support for our community." Larenda Boyd, a 30-year Kerrville resident and member of the Republican Women of Kerr County, said Trump's visit reassured locals that they weren't alone. She said the grief for victims' families may be too raw for some to fully process, but that Trump's visit will become comforting with time. "The situation, the devastation — it's just hard for all of us to grasp and kind of wrap our heads around," Boyd said. "He's gonna make sure we have the resources we need to rebuild and the support. Boyd, like others, pointed out that Trump has consistently shown up in disaster zones — even while out of office — and drew contrasts with slower responses from his predecessor. "You had four years of no one showing up. It is a comfort to me that his people care," she said. "He sends them right down to make sure: what do we need? That is the president I want. That's what I voted for. I want somebody that is going to help us and take care of us. Donald Trump really loves our country — and that's what I voted for." Chris and Judy Johnson, longtime Texas residents who lived through major floods in 1978 and 1987, said the timing of Trump's visit felt just right. Not too early to interfere, but early enough to signal real concern, they said. "If he had done it earlier, it would have been a distraction," Chris said. "Now it's just showing support and I think it's a big, strong move that lets everybody know that he cares. He always seems to show strong leadership in times of disasters and crises." "I think the most important thing is for him to say, 'We're praying for you,'" Judy said. Trump, for his part, said that he and the first lady were there to "express the love and support and anguish of our entire nation." "All across the country, Americans' hearts are shattered," Trump said at a roundtable with Gov. Greg Abbott and other officials. "We're filled with grief and devastation. It's the loss of life, and unfortunately, they're still looking. My administration's doing everything in its power to help Texas." Additionally, he told Fox News' Will Cain that he felt obliged to be here. "It's a community that's been through a lot, and I wanted to show support – not with words, but with actions," Trump said. Many described Kerrville as "Trump country" and said his support lifted spirits at a moment of profound grief. Trump received nearly 78% of the votes in the county last year. Brock Semingson, for instance, said he waited on the road for two hours to see the president. "What a wonderful president... he's supporting us," he said. "Kerr County predominantly voted for President Trump and we have his support. It's just something that we needed as a community. But to see him out here supporting us in person means a lot. He just has a very kind heart." Gloria Neel, a church volunteer, said she spent the morning handing out water and food before waiting in the heat to see the president. She said his visit would have a significant impact on grieving families. "I've waited in this heat for several hours just to see him," she said. "We're very privileged to have him... to come see us. Let us know that he does care." Sarah Stewart said Trump's presence symbolized strong leadership at a time when the country and community need unity. She said politics shouldn't come into play during these times. "We need good leadership at a time like this. That's important. And people want to rally around something that affects us all," Stewart said. "The president is the leader of our whole country. He's the leader for all Americans and it just goes to show even in small towns and small counties when tragedy strikes, he's making sure that we get what we need."
