Volunteers make the difference

With National Volunteer Week coming up April 21-27, Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith says it�s a good time to thank volunteers across the province who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering.

"Our communities become stronger, more vibrant places when people get involved," said Minister Smith, who is also lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "There are so many ways to contribute, whether you serve as a town councilor or school trustee, work with young people, or help the sick and elderly."

"The Strategic Social Plan recognizes that communities are better and stronger when people are actively contributing to them," he said.

The theme of this year�s volunteer week, Experience Matters, reminds people that Canadians of all ages are volunteering as a way to gain - and give - experience.

According to the latest survey on volunteering released last year, Newfoundland and Labrador is a province where people like to pitch in and help.

When it comes to volunteering, people here are the most generous in the country, giving an average of 206 hours annually. The national survey, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians, also reported that other provinces in Atlantic Canada recorded high numbers of volunteer hours.

But the Statistics Canada report also shows that the number of volunteers across the country, including Newfoundland and Labrador, has decreased since the previous survey in 1997.

"This presents us with a challenge," says Minister Smith. "And while we are all busier than ever these days, we need to get involved. Having a strong core of volunteers is important to the life of the province."

Minister Smith pointed out that many volunteer organizations across the province partner with government to deliver a variety of programs and services; organizations that, for example, help single parents find and maintain employment, or support people with disabilities in the workplace.

"These partnerships are so valuable because they help us meet the needs of clients from diverse backgrounds and communities," said Minister Smith.

The Strategic Social Plan also recognizes the importance of volunteers, and regional steering committees partner with local organizations to offer, for example, professional development workshops to community volunteers and town councilors.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, SSP Communication, 729-0175.

2002 04 11                          2:55 p.m.