EVENTS
BAVA Member Meetings
BAVA Members meet the second Wednesday of each month via Zoom from 9 AM - 10 AM EST. (Note: BAVA does not meet in July or August).
Upcoming Meeting Dates
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Wednesday May 13 (Full Day Education Day)
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Wednesday June 10
For more information, contact Lori Ververs at lori.ververs@von.ca
International Volunteer Managers Day
Each year on November 5th, Volunteer Engagement professionals around the world join together to celebrate their contributions to the countless charities and non-profits where their skills and experience add significant value to their organization's mission outcomes.
National Volunteer Week
April 19-25, 2026 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. This is our chance to pay tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and talents to our communities!
BAVA represents over 20 agencies that rely on volunteers to extend their work and mission in the community. BAVA encourages you to show your appreciation by thanking a volunteer every chance you have!
BAVA Speaker Series - Spring 2026
Evolving Volunteerism:
Recruitment, Engagement & What’s Next
Wednesday May 13, 2026 - 9am - 3pm
Barrie Public Library - Painswick Branch
Session 1: Entering Into a New Age of Volunteerism with Rami Shami, Hospice and Bereavement Case Manager – Circle of Care, Sinai Health
Is volunteerism as we know it at risk of disappearing? What’s happening to all of our volunteers? Where are the untapped demographics of volunteers? How can we apply new methods to recruit and retain new volunteers?
Rami will explore these questions with a focus on the latest trends and challenges within volunteerism. We will discuss the lack of connection, community, socialization, purpose, and meaning as it relates to volunteer recruitment and retention. We will also examine the changing demographics and needs of today’s volunteers, and what strategies and ‘new’ knowledge could be applied to secure volunteer engagement. We will also learn of the exciting and progressive domains being applied to the field, including Trauma Informed Care, Cultural Humility, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity).
Session 2: The Future of Youth Volunteering: A Collective Conversation with Jessica Gourlie, Recreation Programmer, City of Barrie and Project Lead for Bright Futures Barrie
This collaborative and engaging session will focus on youth volunteering in our community. Drawing on her experience across youth, community programs, and older adult services, Jessica will share key insights from a recent survey of youth and youth-serving organizations in Barrie. Together, participants will explore what these findings mean and contribute ideas to help shape next steps for BAVA and youth engagement moving forward.
This interactive, info-packed session is just $30 for BAVA members or $55 for non-members (includes a pro rated 2026 BAVA membership).
Space is limited. Follow this link to register - https://forms.gle/rjHCPbNHXTcgps8x9
Questions, email Sherri Helsdingen at sherri.helsdingen@cnib.ca
Sing & Celebrate:
A Volunteer Thank-You Event
BAVA is celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 in partnership with Choir Revolution.
We invite everyone who is active in the community to join this ridiculously fun, guided sing-along. All abilities of singers are welcome.
We'll be singing What a Wonderful World and other songs of Hope and Light.
Barrie - Tuesday April 7
Location: Donaleighs (28 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, L4N 1A2)
Collingwood - Monday April 13
Location: Harbour Street Fish Bar (10 Keith Ave Unit 403, Collingwood, CA L9Y 0W5)
Orillia - Wednesday April 15
Location: Couchiching Brewing (162 Mississauga Street E, Orillia, ON L3V 1V9)
Time: Doors/Social Hour: 6pm, Singing Starts: 7pm
Wear any swag (t-shirts, hats, pins, you name it!) from a charity you support and you could win a prize!
Get your tickets at https://www.choirrevolution.com/events. Volunteers get $5 off with coupon code “BAVA”!
Speaker Series: Past sessions
Past Topics:
2025 Spring Speaker Session
Can Collaboration Boost Volunteer Engagement?
In partnership with Jeff Abraham, CVA, Senior Manager Volunteer Engagement, Diabetes Canada, BAVA is pleased to host its 2025 Speaker Series with a focus on collaboration and ways you can increase volunteer engagement in YOUR organization.
2024 Spring Speaker Session
A.M. Session: Stepped Care Model for Mental Health
Liz Everett, Organizational Development Consultant, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
P.M. Session: Inclusion & Equity: the Gilbert Centre
Dale Boyle (he/him), Executive Director, Gilbert Centre and BPL Creative Spaces Tour
2023 Include. Engage. Succeed. How to build diverse & inclusive volunteer teams
A.M. Session: Understanding the Multigen Mix
Janette McGee, General Manager of Youth & Newcomer Services, YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka
P.M. Session: Fostering Inclusive Organizations
Lennox LePage, Chairperson of Muskoka Price, Supervisor of Membership Sales & Service, Gravenhurst YMCA
2022 Harnessing the Superpowers of your Volunteer Teams
A.M. Session: Recruiting / Re-creating your Dream Team: how to inspire and support leadership volunteers within your organization
Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice President, Lakehead University, Orillia
