Did you know that there are more than one million people who work in Ontario’s nonprofit sector? These Invisible Champions are the professionals who help people through some of the direst of circumstances to creating experiences that spark joy. They include social workers, educators, counselors, artists, athletes, community builders, advocates and much more. 

Most of us know someone who has benefited from their work. And yet these champions often go unacknowledged and their contributions are often unknown. 

But all that is set to change as Ontario celebrates the first annual Week of Appreciation for the Nonprofit Sector, occurring this year from February 14 – 20. Isn’t it fitting that in this, the first year, it will fall on Valentine’s Day? After all, nonprofit organizations and their staff and volunteers are the heart of every community across the province. 

This Week of Appreciation is the result of 15 months of advocacy by the Bhayana Family Foundation. It was passed unanimously as Bill 9, with support of all parties in the Ontario Parliament. Thanks to  MPP Daisy Wai’s passionate and strategic leadership, the support of United Way Greater Toronto and the Ontario Nonprofit Network, and the endorsement of more than 300 organizations and individuals, the third week of February will be celebrated as  Nonprofit Appreciation Week in perpetuity!  

CharityVillage is proud to stand with the Bhayana Foundation in celebrating the 58,000 mission-driven organizations, the 1 million exceptional nonprofit professionals, and the 5.2 million volunteers who all work together to create such a vibrant nonprofit sector in Ontario. Now more than ever, it is time to celebrate the positive impact that Ontario nonprofits have on their communities.