Impact Hours
Launched in 2018, Impact Hours is a free service that was originally directed to individuals aged 55+, to facilitate connections with Ottawa non-profits in need of volunteers with their valuable experience and skills. However, many younger adults also used the site, interested in sharing their time and interests with another generation. As a result, Impact Hours is now focused on promoting intergenerational connections through volunteering, for positive community impact.
CHRISTINE FRANKLIN, a federal public servant and active volunteer in the community, created Impact Hours after being inspired by the former Governor General David Johnston in his efforts to promote volunteerism to build a stronger, more caring Canada. Christine is pleased that users’ experiences have led to Impact Hours promoting the importance of intergenerational connections given her interests as co-founder of iGenOttawa.
Impact Hours offers an online platform:
- providing individuals with easy access to an inventory of volunteer opportunities to share their time, interests and skills with another generation;
- promoting Ottawa non-profits in need of volunteers with skills and interests; and
- facilitating connections that bring different generations together, towards becoming a more engaged, age-friendly community.
Examples of connecting generations through volunteering:
University student: volunteers to be a friendly visitor to a senior and help with grocery shopping.
Mid-career individual: shares their business experience with youth entrepreneurs.
Retiree: drives older adults to medical appointments and is an ESL volunteer tutor.
Impact Hours would not be where it is today without the many pro bono hours offered by Frederic Sune from the web agency WP Expert. As well, a special thank you to early supporters, including: Council on Aging of Ottawa; Impact Hub Ottawa; Ottawa Tool Library; and Junior Achievement Ottawa.
Should you seek further information, please contact Impact Hours at [email protected]. We would also appreciate receiving feedback to improve the website, as well as testimonials on how connections made through Impact Hours had an impact.
TESTIMONIAL: “Since working with Impact Hours for the past 7 months the majority of my volunteer interests come from individuals who have accessed their website. I receive daily messages from keen young and older adults looking to give back to the community or gain work experience. Impact Hours allows potential volunteers to access available opportunities with ease and allows me as the volunteer coordinator the ability to follow up with these individuals easily. I have recruited several volunteers who have connected with our organization starting with the use of Impact Hours.”