The Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) is launching its annual ChangeTheWorld campaign during National Volunteer Week from April 21-27, 2013 through May 20th. The campaign aims to engage 30,000 youth aged 14-18 to volunteer for a minimum of three hours each through opportunities provided by OVCN's 23 volunteer centres. ChangeTheWorld encourages youth to get involved with social issues in their communities and create their own volunteer initiatives. It is funded by the Ontario government and delivered in partnership with OVCN to help youth become engaged citizens through volunteering.

1. Ontario Volunteer Centre Network
c/o Volunteer MBC, 7700 Hurontario Street, Unit 601
Brampton, ON L6Y 4M3
(905) 238-2622 x228
ctw@ovcn.ca
www.ctw.ovcn.ca
For Immediate Release April 17, 2013
OVCN Launches ChangeTheWorld Campaign in Ontario
Youth volunteers combat social injustice during National Volunteer Week
BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) is launching this year’s
ChangeTheWorld - Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge with 23 volunteer centres during National
Volunteer Week (April 21 to 27, 2013) through to May 20.
“We have a strong network to connect youth with the issues they are passionate about,” said Carine
Strong, Chair, Ontario Volunteer Centre Network. “our aim is to provide meaningful volunteer
opportunities, allowing youth to become civically engaged Canadians creating positive changes to their
world and future.”
ChangeTheWorld is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered in partnership by the OVCN.
It is a province-wide campaign for youth aged 14 to 18 years to volunteer through a wide variety of local
initiatives, connecting urban and rural communities. This year, the goal is to engage 30,000 youth
volunteering for a minimum of three hours per volunteer over the four weeks.
“This is a great way to help those who need assistance and give back to our communities,” said the
Honourable Michael Coteau, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “your local volunteer
centres are working with your schools and community organizations to connect you to volunteer
opportunities in your community.”
Youth will have the opportunity to volunteer with community service organizations at various events
across the province. Opportunities will be made available through the OVCN website www.ctw.ovcn.ca.
ChangeTheWorld also encourages youth to establish their own initiatives to contribute to the campaign.
Ontario youth are creating events to raise awareness for various causes such as gun violence, bullying,
mental health, environmental and diversity issues.
The Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) is an unincorporated network of 24 volunteer centres in
Ontario, guided by a volunteer steering committee. Its key goal is to engage Ontarians and ignite their
passion for volunteerism. The OVCN provides a provincial network and a unified voice to strengthen
the individual and collective ability of volunteer centres in Ontario to promote and develop volunteerism.
For more information, please visit www.ovcn.ca.
Media Contact:
Fiona Yu, Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Ontario Volunteer Centre Network, ctw@ovcn.ca
905-238-2622 ext. 228.
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