Recognizing our Volunteers

Everyday around the world and right here in our own province, volunteers are addressing social, economic, cultural and humanitarian needs. In celebration of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) honoured the contributions of one of its greatest resources � its volunteers.

"NLHC recognizes the important role volunteers play in our social and economic growth. From our community centres, private non-profit and co-op boards to the volunteer work of our own staff, life is made easier by the time, effort and dedication of these individuals," said Oliver Langdon, minister responsible for housing. "To honour their achievements, NLHC embarked on a special campaign to show its appreciation and highlight the outstanding work of our volunteers."

Early in the spring, NLHC staff hosted five regional "thank you" banquets across the province for its community centre boards and tenants associations on behalf of Minister Langdon. The banquets were held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Marystown and St. John�s with representatives from each community centre and tenant association in attendance. Each group also received a certificate of appreciation and a letter of thanks from Minister Langdon and NLHC. Over the course of the year, NLHC also presented certificates of appreciation and letters of thanks to the 50 private non-profit and 21 co-operative housing volunteer boards throughout the province.

In the spring, the corporation hosted its annual Volunteer Breakfast, at Virginia Park Community Centre � NLHC staff cooked and served breakfast for tenant volunteers. Minister Langdon was available to lend a hand cooking and serving for the many volunteers who give so freely of their time in their neighbourhoods.

In honour of the International Year of Volunteers, a Tenant Association and a Co-operative Housing Youth Volunteer Award was also established. This award will be presented annually during National Volunteer Week to youth volunteers living in NLHC neighbourhoods or NLHC subsidized co-ops who give their time to their community. This year�s recipients are: Jenny Hogan, Community Improvement Tenant Association - St. John�s; Jimmy Hollett, Burin/Black Duck Cove Tenant Association - Black Duck Cove; Richard Louvelle, Dunfield Park Tenant Association - Corner Brook; Robert Pearce, McGrath/Blackwood Tenant Association - St. John�s; Ashley Walsh, Future Co-operative Housing Association - St. John�s.

In an effort to recognize the valuable volunteer work of so many of its staff, the corporation�s employee newsletter the In House, also published monthly profiles of employees and their invaluable volunteer efforts.

"Our volunteers are a precious resource, their work is essential to our well-being as a people and a province," said Minister Langdon. "By supporting the people and programs they provide, we empower our communities and ensure a brighter future for generations to come."

Media contact: Jenny Bowring, NLHC, 724-3055.

2001 12 24                11:55 a.m.