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at the VBM

World Day of Social Justice (February 20), the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal invites you to reflect on today’s upheavals and the inequalities people experience in daily life, right here in Montreal. In a context where it is easy to feel powerless, volunteering can be a concrete response, a human counterbalance, and a protective factor, both for the people being supported and for those who choose to get involved.

In 2026, the world will mark the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Across Canada, the national “Ignite Volunteerism” campaign will highlight the power of civic participation. At the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal (VBM – CABM in French), we want to fully take part in this movement, in a distinctly Montréal way, by celebrating the diversity of people, neighbourhoods and forms of engagement that bring volunteering to life here. Here is how we hope to make this year a true springboard for inclusion, solidarity and sustainable development in Montréal.

Thinking about resolutions for 2026? Why not include your community engagement too. In this article, the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal (VBM) shares 5 simple and realistic resolutions to help you contribute without burning out. By clarifying your intentions, choosing the right level of commitment, taking care of yourself, embracing learning and nurturing community connections, you can make volunteering a meaningful, sustainable part of your life this year.

On December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that inclusion is not just about services or accessibility ramps, but also about the right to participate fully in community life. At the CABM, we believe volunteering can be a powerful lever for this inclusion, when roles, environments and attitudes are adapted so that people with disabilities are recognized not only as recipients of support, but as contributors, partners and leaders in their own right.

During the holiday season, volunteer interest rises sharply in Montreal, which is precious for community organizations but doesn’t erase needs that exist all year long. The blog invites people to see “holiday volunteering” as a possible first step toward more regular, realistic involvement, with access and inclusion at the centre of their choices. VBM is presented as an ally that helps both volunteers and organizations turn this seasonal momentum into lasting impact.

At the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal (VBM), we see every week how volunteer action makes a real difference, from breaking isolation for older adults to strengthening overwhelmed community organizations. On International Volunteer Day, we want to thank all the people who choose this path and, by doing so, help make Montréal more accessible, inclusive and caring. By translating information, using plain language, removing barriers and sharing their skills, volunteers become powerful allies for access, inclusion and dignity. Whatever the frequency or visibility of their engagement, every action counts and every volunteer truly matters.

Every gesture matters, from everyday micro-acts to organized volunteering, which provides a safe, equitable, and ongoing way to support our community. Explore simple ways to spread kindness today, and how to get involved when you’re ready.

Today, we celebrate volunteer managers across Québec and Montréal. Hundreds of people work behind the scenes so that mutual aid can happen, humanely and methodically. Thank you for this essential profession.