At least two new surveys on Canadian volunteers have been released to help kick off National Volunteer Week (April 15-21). 

The Volunteering Habits of Canadians study by Vision Critical reveals that while 67% of British Columbians say they would like to volunteer their spare time to a nonprofit organization, the majority continue to cite lack of time as a barrier to such commitments. The Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland calls this a "volunteer myth" and wants all prospective volunteers to know that it takes less time than you think to change a life.

Coca-Cola asked 1,000 Canadians what they thought about community charitable programs.  The majority, 83% of those surveyed, said they wished more people would get involved with community programs with eight in ten Canadians indicating that they see the direct benefits of contributing time and money, in communities that are safer, healthier and better overall.

Volunteer Canada reports that 13.3 million Canadian volunteers annually contribute 2.1 billion total hours with young Canadians delivering the highest volunteer rate.