How to celebrate your volunteers this Volunteers' Week

Volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector, so this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), why not show your appreciation and do something special to recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution that they make to your charity. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to show your appreciation, however, it’s really the small and thoughtful things that count. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate and thank your volunteers during this year’s Volunteers’ Week: 

Remember the power of saying thank you 

Take the time to call your volunteers and say thank you! You could even get your trustees involved and ask them to do it, which could make it even more special. This small gesture is so powerful and can do wonders for building relationships and morale. 

Hold a volunteer appreciation event 

Organise a get-together for your volunteers, either in person or virtually, to celebrate their hard work and dedication. You could provide tea, cake, or prosecco, or you could give out awards or certificates, but at the end of the day it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just show them that you care. 

Share volunteer success stories 

Take the opportunity during Volunteers Week to showcase the positive impact your volunteers have had on the community. Share success stories on social media, your website or newsletter, highlighting the volunteers who made it happen. 

Send thank you cards or letters 

A personalised message of thanks can go a long way in showing your volunteers how much you value their contribution. Take the time to write a heartfelt message thanking each volunteer for their time, effort, and commitment. 

Provide training and development opportunities 

Offer training and development opportunities to help your volunteers build their skills and enhance their abilities. This will not only help them feel appreciated but also help them to further contribute to your cause. 

Host a volunteer-led activity 

Give your volunteers the opportunity to take the lead on an activity or event during Volunteers’ Week. This could be a fundraising event, a community service project, or a social gathering for fellow volunteers. This will not only show your appreciation for their hard work but also help them feel empowered and valued. 

Social media shout-outs 

Use social media to give your volunteers a public shout-out. Share pictures, videos, and stories of your volunteers in action, using hashtags like #VolunteersWeek to help spread the word. 

Provide a gift of appreciation  

Small gestures can go a long way in making volunteers feel appreciated, so why not give them a small gift such as chocolates or flowers.  

Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity for charities to celebrate and thank their volunteers. By showing your appreciation, you can not only make your volunteers feel valued and appreciated but also encourage others to get involved and make a difference in their community. 

Find out more about Volunteers’ Week here.