NLIS 6
April 10
(Human Resources and Employment)

I am very happy to take this opportunity to recognize a very important celebration taking place in Newfoundland and Labrador this week. From April 9th to the 16th National Volunteer Week is being observed in our province as well as across our country. It is an opportunity to honour the many people who, by volunteering in social, recreational and other community non-profit groups, make our lives happier and more secure.

National Volunteer Week is sponsored nationally by the Canadian Association of Volunteer Bureaux and Centres, and its 200 member organizations in partnership with the Voluntary Action Program. Provincially, the Community Services Council Volunteer Centre will be sponsoring a variety of events and activities to pay tribute to a very important group of people in our society, our volunteers.

Voluntarism is an important way in which we enrich our society and is a key ingredient to our provincial and national character. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the important role volunteers play in developing and maintaining healthy and prosperous communities. Since the launch of our Strategic Social Plan in 1998 we have encouraged and supported the importance of community partnerships in economic and social development. Volunteers are one of our most important partners. Our volunteers give endless time to social interests and causes. In addition, though their work is beyond monetary value, voluntarism does contribute significantly to our local economy.

The contributions of volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador are diverse. There are random acts of kindness to friends, neighbours or strangers; there are donations made to places of worship, charities and community organizations; there are skills used to support national organizations; there are hours spent helping voluntary organizations; and there are talents used to support national and global causes.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians also participate in their local community and civic activities in many different ways. Some of this involvement is carried out through the numerous voluntary groups active in our rural communities, towns and cities. An equally important part is self-generated, undertaken by Newfoundlanders on their own, outside the structure of voluntary groups, charitable tax receipts or public recognition.

National Volunteer Week is a time to say a heartfelt thank you to the 110,000 volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Community Services Council has organized a number of opportunities to extend our appreciation to our volunteers. Over the next week events will take place such as a Youth Volunteer Recognition ceremony, community receptions; dinners; teas; pizza parties; morning coffees; and proclamations in municipalities and agencies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the important role our volunteers play in our social and economic growth. Our volunteers are a resource that truly make our province a better place to live. We sincerely thank the volunteers of Newfoundland and Labrador and applaud their invaluable contributions to all of our lives.

2000 04 10                                                         3:50 p.m.