The spotlight was on youth volunteers at Confederation Building today at a reception hosted by the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector.

A large group of youth volunteers attended the event that celebrated the volunteer efforts of youth in Newfoundland and Labrador. MHAs from across the province also attended. The Provincial Government is continuing its commitment to the voluntary and non-profit sector with the Budget 2008 announcement which includes $650,000 to establish an office of the Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat as well as continued funding through departments across government.

"It is important to recognize and celebrate the time and effort volunteers put into the community," said Premier Williams. "Youth play a major role in the contributions that voluntary and non-profit organizations make to the people of this province. Supporting and acknowledging the contribution of young people is important as we look to recruit and retain volunteers as the need for the sector continues to grow. The turnout at today�s event demonstrates the commitment youth have to the community. Youth are the future of this province and are vital to its economic, cultural and social growth and development."

The Williams Government made a commitment to support the voluntary and non-profit sector, including young volunteers from across the province. More than 100,000 young people are affected every day through programs funded through the Provincial Government.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has a well deserved reputation as a giving and caring province," said Premier Williams. "Our young people are the leaders of tomorrow, and will keep this province�s communities vibrant and thriving with their time and contributions. I want to encourage more young people to join in this important effort that makes the lives of others, and the volunteers themselves, fulfilled and gratifying."

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 53 per cent of people aged 15 to 24 contribute to the community through volunteering. These volunteers dedicate approximately 6.2 million hours of valuable unpaid time each year to the more than 5,000 voluntary, community-based organizations. Youth volunteers tend to volunteer with organizations focused on education, research and social services and engage in volunteer activities such as coaching, officiating and fundraising. The most common reasons for volunteering are to improve their job opportunities, to explore their strengths, and because their friends volunteer.

2008 05 14                                                      12:35 p.m.