Ministers commend volunteer contribution to Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education and Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment commended Ono Bursary recipient Rosemary Finn and 22 other volunteers for their contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program at a gala dinner held in Stephenville this past Tuesday.

"This event was a celebration of volunteerism," said Minister Kelly. "Rosemary Finn, and everyone honoured here has made an enormous contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh's Program on the west coast," said Minister Kelly. "They have given of their time and helped many young people in the area improve their lives. It is appropriate that during this, the International Year of Volunteers, we take some time and recognize the people who are out in the community on a daily basis making presentations, training leaders, arranging award ceremonies and so much more. These people are shining examples of the true spirit and dedication of volunteerism."

The 22 volunteers from the west coast area, including Rosemary Finn, were presented leader and volunteer certificates during the event. Rosemary Finn received special recognition for her recent Ono Bursary which saw her travel to the United Kingdom and Australia to speak to youth and volunteers about the spirit of volunteerism. The event in Stephenville was the first in a number of public presentations planned to honour the contribution of volunteers to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program across the province. 

"I am very proud that the Duke of Edinburgh program is so strong and vibrant in the western region," said Minister Smith. "The volunteers we recognized at the awards ceremony represent a high caliber of people who have made their communities better places to live and, in the process, they have also inspired others."

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Young Canadians' Challenge is a citizenship and leadership program for young men and women aged 14 - 25 years. Through the program, young people participate in fitness, skill, service and expedition activities and receive awards at the bronze, silver and gold levels. The program is administered in Newfoundland and Labrador by a volunteer provincial council in partnership with the Youth Services Division of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education. Financial support for the program is also provided by the private sector. The program has been active in the western region for over 20 years.

The 22 volunteers who received certificates were:

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-6573.

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