Each year, National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), reminds us to recognize and celebrate the impact of those that give their time. It provides a moment to express gratitude for selfless service, and encourage community participation. This year, the contributions these individuals bring to our communities, our lives, and our economy is also being recognized through a unique opportunity to celebrate with International Year of Volunteers. Take a moment with us in April to recognize and celebrate those who serve!
To encourage living our values in practical ways, Kindred Credit Union supports our staff in the giving of our time and talent through volunteering. In 2025, our team canned, dug, sorted, planted, and built with partners across our communities!
Building a Shaputan with Crow Shield Lodge
A group of Kindred team members volunteered to help build a Shaputuan (a traditional Indigenous gathering space) at Crow Shield Lodge near New Hamburg. Led by David Lundberg of Sewn Home, our team learned how to blend traditional Indigenous architecture with modern materials, ensuring the space is both safe and long-lasting.
Tree Planting with Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR)
Last fall, Kindred team members gathered to plant 100 native trees and shrubs in Meinzinger Park in partnership with SWR. This micro-forest will play a key role in building a climate-resilient community by capturing carbon, supporting local wildlife, and serving as a symbol of our commitment to environmental sustainability for years to come.
Food Sorting with Food Bank Waterloo Region
As part of our annual Fall Food Drive, our team volunteered at The Food Bank WR, helping sort food for families in need over two nights. Our efforts helped provide over 6,500 meals to those experiencing hunger.
Meat Canning with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
In November, two teams of Kindred team members learned how to can meat at the recently opened MCC Meat Cannery in New Hamburg. Each team became an assembly line: prepping the cans; filling and weighing them; sealing and loading them for the pressure cooker; and finally, unloading and labelling the finished cans into boxes.
We are grateful to the many community partners who shared these opportunities with us, and also to our team members who consistently share their time, energy, and talents. As we celebrate Volunteer Week, join us in recognizing and celebrating the many ways our Kindred team members have contributed to community initiatives this year. We look forward to continuing to support the fantastic work being done in our and sharing more throughout the year!