April 19–25 is National Volunteer Week—a time to recognize the people who step forward, give their time, and help move our communities forward.
This year, it holds even deeper meaning for us. Alberta Deaf & Hard of Hearing Society—operating as Deaf & Hear Alberta—is celebrating 65 years of serving Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing Albertans.
And those 65 years were not built by programs alone. They were built by people.
Built by Community
Volunteers have always been at the heart of our work.
They are the ones who showed up before there was funding.
They are the ones who created connection where there was isolation.
They are the ones who helped preserve and celebrate Deaf culture—a rich, visual language and community grounded in connection and shared experience.
And they are the ones who continue to reach those who are often unseen—like hard-of-hearing seniors, many of whom experience increasing isolation as communication becomes more difficult over time.
To every volunteer, past and present—thank you. You are part of this legacy.
The Next Chapter Requires All of Us
While we celebrate how far we’ve come, we are equally focused on where we are going. The need for communication equity has not disappeared. In many ways, it has become more urgent. Too many Deaf individuals still face barriers to full participation. Too many hard-of-hearing seniors are sitting at home, disconnected from conversations, services, and community.
We are working to change that—by expanding access, strengthening community connections, and growing the next generation of ASL interpreters. That work takes people.
65 Years. 65 Donors. One Shared Goal.
As part of our 65th year, we are launching a simple but powerful initiative:
65 donors giving $65 per month.
This is a meaningful way to help sustain this work—but just as important, any level of giving makes a difference. What matters most is participation. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps connect someone back to community supports, communication access, and moves us closer to a province where no one is left out of the conversation.
If You’ve Been Thinking About Getting Involved—Start Here
You do not need to have all the answers. You do not need to be an expert. You need to be willing. There are many ways to contribute:
- Volunteer your time at events and programs
- Build your understanding of Deaf culture and communication access
- Connect with and support isolated seniors in your community
- Share your skills to strengthen our work
- Or become one of the 65 donors helping to sustain our future
Every action matters. And it adds up.
This is About More Than Giving
This is about building a province where communication access is not a barrier—and where inclusion means true participation.
It is about ensuring Deaf culture continues to thrive.
It is about ensuring seniors are not left behind.
It is about continuing a legacy that began 65 years ago—and strengthening it for the next 65.
Join Us
This National Volunteer Week, I invite you to take the next step. Give your time. Give your voice. Give your support. Because when people come together with a shared purpose, we don’t just support community—we transform it.
If you want more information on volunteer opportunities at DHA, email info@deafandhearalberta.ca. To make a donation, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/16462.