Volunteer for Radio-Maria!
The harvest is plentiful, the labourers are few –
– Commemoration of National Volunteer Week is bitter-sweet at Radio Maria Canada
TORONTO, April 12, 2018 – Radio Maria Canada (Radio Maria) celebrates today the immeasurable contributions of its 29 volunteers, but issues a plea to listeners and other Canadian Catholics for help. A registered charity that places a high importance on volunteers, Radio Maria finds itself unable to complete up to 70 per cent of its projects due to a shortage of volunteers.
“It’s time we say ‘help,’ ‘a l’aide’ and ‘aiuto’,” says Father Charles M. Grech, director at Radio Maria. “The thirst for spiritual support in our world today is so high, we just can’t fulfil this demand without additional help. We decided to be transparent and yet bold this year, to share our situation factually and we ask you to answer the call to help your brothers and sisters with the power of hope, faith and prayer via radio.”
Radio Maria’s volunteers help at the front desk, help with the administration of the office, become ambassadors at their church, assist at events, and help with the production of shows.
“Since re-launching our English programming just over a year ago, we have received an overwhelming response from listeners,” says Dr. John Romanelli, president of Radio Maria Canada and a supporter since 1999. “The phenomenon of Radio Maria would be unexplainable without the action of Our Lady’s Grace which has inflamed the hearts of so many people around the country and the world to support this project. We have full confidence that Radio Maria will continue to be strong, well into the future, by the guidance of our Blessed Mother.”
Established in 1995, Radio Maria spreads hope and helps listeners grow in faith. Its charity status means Radio Maria depends almost entirely on the support of volunteers and donors. It does not accept advertising or government funding – but rather relies on the providence of God and intercession of Mary. From the beginning, Radio Maria has had an agreement with its listeners, confirming that this wonderful adventure would continue so long as there is an audience willing to make sacrifices to support it. In March 2017, the English programming underwent a transformation, providing English speaking listeners with a fresh, new, interactive approach to spreading the Word of God. The voice of Radio Maria nourishes the faith of listeners and reaches out to those who are physically unable to leave their homes, but feel God calling out to them in their hearts.
National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers in our communities. Volunteering is often seen as a selfless act; a person gives their time, skills, experience, and passion to help others, without expecting anything in return. And while volunteering is a form of service, many volunteers find opportunities to develop new skills and create deep and meaningful personal connections. Come to Radio Maria to celebrate being a volunteer!
To become a volunteer, learn more about Radio Maria or to listen live, 24/7, visit radiomaria.ca.
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