Impact Hours

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. 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. Based on users' experience, IMPACT HOURS is now focused on promoting intergenerational connections through volunteering. Examples include- 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. CHRISTINE FRANKLIN 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.