UN Names 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development
Fort McMurray, AB – December 15, 2026 – We are excited to share that the United Nations has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), recognizing volunteers as a powerful force for positive change worldwide. The previous International Year of Volunteers was 25 years ago in 2001. A lot has changed globally in those 25 years, and IVY2026 allows us dedicated time to reflect on those changes and how we can use our increasing interconnectedness for good.
At FuseSocial we understand, cherish, and believe in the deep impact that simple acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity have. Volunteerism is more than giving a few hours of your time: it’s about building connections, strengthening communities, creating hope, and achieving shared goals for a better world. What has volunteerism looked like over the past 25 years, and how can we actively shape it for the next 25 years?
In Canada, the call is to “ignite volunteerism”, to revive and renew our culture of civic participation, to reconnect people with communities through service and mutual support, and to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada for everyone.
In Wood Buffalo, volunteers help address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges in community — from supporting newcomers and seniors, advocating for underrepresented voices, working toward achieving food security, improving quality of life for animals, and more.
IVY2026 is a once-in-a-generation chance to celebrate volunteers, tell their stories, and inspire a new generation to actively shape this era of volunteerism.
About FuseSocial
FuseSocial is a trusted leader in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo social profit sector, working to strengthen the capacity of local nonprofit organizations. Each year, it supports more than 100 local nonprofit and charitable organizations through workforce training, leadership development programs, board governance supports, and shared services.
FuseSocial also convenes and mobilizes organizations to improve sector collaboration, and operates the NorthStar Ford Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre, connecting thousands of residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities across the region.
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Shannon Rex
Executive Director
587.570.8021
shannon.rex@fusesocial.ca
