Premier launches nomination process for Volunteer Medal

In recognition of the International Year of Volunteers, Premier Roger Grimes today revealed the design of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal and outlined details on the nomination process.

"I am pleased to showcase for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador this province�s symbol of volunteerism," said Premier Grimes. "In this, the United Nations� International Year of Volunteers, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to introduce the province�s symbol of volunteering excellence in the form of the Volunteer Medal."

Individuals, organizations and other groups are encouraged to nominate individuals to receive this prestigious volunteer award. Two individuals in each of the province�s 48 electoral districts, one male and one female, will be presented with the medal later this year. A seven-person committee will select recipients from nominations submitted by individuals and organizations. Submissions will be accepted by the committee until September 30, 2001.

"This volunteer medal is a way of recognizing the long-term accomplishments of volunteers in this province," said the premier. "The Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal will be presented to a small group of extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to benefit others."

Government is awarding the volunteer medal to celebrate and recognize the International Year of Volunteers. In subsequent years, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador will be presented to a select group of individuals who have made long-term, significant contributions to the province in fields such as arts, business, education and community service.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer medal was designed by Ian Stewart. A member of the Order of Canada, Mr. Stewart is the creator of a number of provincial medals, including the 25^th Anniversary of Confederation, the Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal 1939-45, the Newfoundland Bravery Award and Memorial University�s Gold Medal for Academic Excellence.

Information about nominations for the Volunteer Medal will be available at Government Service Centres and on government�s homepage, www.gov.nl.ca. Nomination information will also be sent out to volunteer organizations and distributed publicly across the province.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

For more information go to: Volunteer Medal Brochure.pdf

2001 06 21                                                           11:15 a.m.