Volunteer Week is April 19-25 this year but the celebration is starting today. The Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador; along with the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector; and Earl Ludlow, President and CEO of Newfoundland Power and the 2009 Honourary Chair of Volunteer Week, were in attendance at the annual volunteerism luncheon organized by the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador.

Approximately 250 guests were on hand for the announcement of the theme for this year�s week for volunteer recognition, Volunteers Light Up Communities!

"Without volunteers, communities across Newfoundland and Labrador could not grow and thrive," said Minister Denine. "Volunteer Week is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate these individuals, but this recognition should also be given all year long. Volunteers light up communities, and also light up the lives of those people who benefit from their hard work and dedication."

The Volunteer and Non-Profit Secretariat is working with the communities to strengthen the relationship between the voluntary and non-profit sector and the Provincial Government, improve the ability of organizations to do their work, and promote and recognize the valuable work that volunteers give to the province.

"The Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador has been promoting Volunteer Week for 28 years," said Penelope Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are delighted that the Provincial Government has created the secretariat and that Minister Denine will be playing an active role this year to recognize the valuable contribution which volunteers make in lighting up our communities."

Minister Denine will be travelling across the province during volunteer week to take part in events to recognize and celebrate the work and accomplishments of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who give their time and efforts to the community. Volunteers make up municipal government, recreation leagues, church groups, and health support organizations. Communities are encouraged to organize their own celebrations.

"There is no better feeling than the joy a person gets from volunteering," said Minister Denine. "By getting involved in the community, whether it is running for municipal government or spending an hour a week at a school or health care facility, people can have a major impact on the province. I am calling on all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to volunteer and give back to their communities."

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Media contact:

Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat
Volunteer and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca