WAKAW — Aug. 17 is recognised as National Nonprofit Day, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing efforts of nonprofit organizations to serve their communities and improve the lives of those who live in them.
A non-profit organization is an association or corporation committed to operating “exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit”. Some examples of nonprofits include churches or church associations, schools, volunteer service organisations, medical providers, and research institutes.
Non-profits touch on issues in the social, health, community development and advocacy sectors, which are known to have gaps in services. In 2022, the total economic activity contributed by non-profit entities in Canada was $216.5 billion, or 8.2 per cent of the GDP (Statistics Canada, 2024).
Sports and recreation accounted for the greatest percentage of non-profit organizations in 2023 (33.3 per cent), followed by religious organizations (19.8 per cent), grant-making, fundraising and promotion (8.8 per cent), and social services (8.5 per cent). The lowest percentage of organizations was involved in health (1.0 per cent) and environmental activities (0.4 per cent) (Statistics Canada, 2024).
According to recent surveys, non-profit organizations are facing increased demand for their services and more complex community needs, all while trying to make ends meet in the present economic environment with limited resources.
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate National Nonprofit Day is by volunteering your time and skills. Nonprofits often rely on volunteers to carry out their missions effectively. Consider spending a few hours at a local food bank, helping at an animal shelter, or offering your professional skills to a nonprofit that aligns with your expertise.
Donations, whether big or small, play a crucial role in supporting nonprofits. Whether you choose to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring contribution, your financial support can make a real difference.
In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness. Use your social media platforms to highlight the work of nonprofits on National Nonprofit Day.
Organizing a fundraising event in your community can have a significant impact. It’s an opportunity to bring people together for a common cause. You could host a charity run, a bake sale, a garage sale, or even a virtual event. The funds raised can be directed toward a nonprofit that you believe in.
National Nonprofit Day is a time to honour the tireless efforts of nonprofit organizations and the positive changes they bring to our world. Remember, even the smallest gesture can have a ripple effect that creates lasting change.
There are an estimated 8,000 nonprofit and charitable organizations in Saskatchewan, providing an incredible range of programs and services that benefit residents of all ages in all areas of the province. Here is just a sampling of the many services provided: mental health education and support; sport and recreation programming; emergency response; after school programs; family resource centres; multicultural awareness and education; childcare centres; food banks; gender-based violence supports; wildlife rehabilitation; museums and heritage societies; employment preparation; youth drop-in centres; summer camps; housing and homelessness supports; addictions treatment; seniors care; poverty reduction; justice system supports; youth mentoring; and much, much more.
Registered charities and non-profit organizations (NPOs) both operate on a non-profit basis; however, they are not the same. Registered charities are charitable organizations, public foundations, or private foundations that are created and reside in Canada. They have a Registered Charity number and can issue tax receipts. They must use their resources for charitable activities and have charitable purposes that fall into one or more of the following categories: the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, or other purposes that benefit the community. Some examples of registered charities include food banks, post-secondary institutions, places of worship, and animal shelters.
Non-profit organizations are associations, clubs, or societies that are not charities and are organized and operated exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit. A few types of non-profit organizations include recreational or hobby groups, such as a Seniors Club, and certain amateur sports organizations, like Minor Hockey.
Saskatchewan has consistently benefited from a high level of volunteerism, with more than half the province’s population aged 15 and older engaged in volunteer activities. In Saskatchewan, the sector contributes an estimated $6.3 billion to the economy, representing 8 per cent of GDP. With the economic activity generated, the number employed, and most importantly, the benefits delivered, the nonprofit sector plays an important role in the province’s economic environment. (https://www.sasknonprofit.ca/)
So, while a charity is a non-profit organization, a non-profit cannot be a charity. Local non-profit organizations and service clubs include but are not limited to the Lions Clubs in Wakaw, Cudworth, St. Louis, and Rosthern; Knights of Columbus in Cudworth and St. Louis; and the Wakaw Legion. Good Neighbours Food Centre, as well as Valley Action Abilities Inc. in Rosthern, and Columbian Industries in Cudworth, are also non-profits. Imagine how the quality of life and well-being would be impacted without this sector in our province, communities, and in our daily lives. On August 17th, especially, let’s give gratitude to the organizations and people who are there when we need them.
