OTTAWA, ON, December 5, 2025 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) has joined 14 other Canadian organizations to launch Time to Act, a new national movement that celebrates the essential contributions of volunteers and community members working to create positive change locally and globally.
Launched publicly today, Time to Act highlights volunteer stories and everyday actions from across the country — demonstrating how each act of service, large or small, contributes to a more connected Canada and a more compassionate world. The two-year campaign is led by 15 organizations participating in the Volunteer Cooperation Program, funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Last night, representatives from across the coalition gathered at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa for a launch event attended by VWB’s Executive Director, Janine Mitchell, and three alumni volunteers who completed placements in Kenya, Laos, and Cambodia through VWB’s international programs.
“Our shared purpose with Time to Act is clear: to spark a renewed culture of volunteerism in Canada — one that celebrates participation in all its forms and recognizes that everyone has a role to play in building a more connected Canada and world,” said Janine Mitchell, Executive Director of VWB. “At VWB, we see every day how volunteers strengthen One Health, support farmers, protect animals, and help communities thrive. Their contributions are powerful, meaningful, and deeply needed.”
A core feature of the initiative is the Time to Act digital platform, where individuals, organizations, and institutions can record their volunteer actions, share stories, and discover ways to get involved locally or globally. By making volunteer efforts visible and accessible, the platform aims to transform interest into action, encourage public engagement, and highlight how people across Canada are already making a difference. Over the next two years, the campaign aims to engage hundreds of thousands of Canadians and inspire at least 10,000 new volunteer actions across the country and around the world.
“Time to Act celebrates everyone who steps forward — whether they volunteer for an hour, a season, or a year,” added Mitchell. “Each contribution strengthens the fabric of community, and together these actions create the momentum for lasting change.”
VWB’s participation in Time to Act reflects two decades of commitment to volunteer-driven programming across Africa and Asia, and more recently in Northern Canada. Volunteers continue to play a vital role in advancing animal health, sustainable livelihoods, and One Health systems in partnership with local organizations and communities.
Explore the movement and map your action: 👉 timetoact-canada.ca
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About VWB/VSF: Founded in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving community health through enhanced animal health. Using a “One Health” approach, we work with diverse partners to strengthen community-centered animal health systems, directly benefiting the people and environments that rely on them. As the North American affiliate of VSF International, VWB/VSF operates independently, with ongoing programs in Africa, Asia, Northern Canada, and Europe. Our efforts focus on disease prevention, sustainable livelihoods, equitable access to resources, capacity building, and humanitarian relief, reaching over 1 million people annually. Learn more: www.vwb.org
Media Contact:
Tanja Kisslinger
Director of Communications
VWB/VSF North America
tanja@vwb.org / +1 613 413 5776
