I rise today to acknowledge April 19 -25 as National Volunteer Week. Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the great work of volunteers across our province and across the country. Their impact on the province is invaluable and the volunteers and non-profit organizations in our communities contribute to a vibrant and thriving Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are approximately 187,000 volunteers that contribute 35 million hours a year of valuable unpaid time to their communities and community organizations. Furthermore, currently in Newfoundland and Labrador there are over 23,000 people employed by volunteer and non-profit organizations in a concerted effort to make our province stronger.

This year�s theme, Volunteers Light Up Communities, represents the impact volunteers have on the people of the province. The compassion of volunteers can make a community shine. Their dedication lights up the lives of those they touch. There is no better feeling than the joy a person gets from volunteering.

I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take time, especially during Volunteer Week, to think about how much we depend on volunteers and non-profit organizations every day in our communities. Volunteers make up municipal governments, recreation leagues, church groups, and health support organizations. Lions Clubs, Kinsmen�s Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and volunteer firefighters are just a few of the organizations that provide essential services to people across this province, from Nain to Trepassey.

I am delighted to be celebrating Volunteer Week in communities around the province. I will be attending recognition ceremonies in Mount Pearl, Gander, Corner Brook, Port Union, Stephenville, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and here in St. John�s. I encourage all communities to take some time during Volunteer Week to thank volunteers in your communities for their time and dedication to our quality of life.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are known for their compassion and their strong desire to assist others whenever and wherever they can. It is because of these traits that so many residents are involved in the voluntary and non-profit sector.

As Volunteer Week approaches, I ask that honourable members encourage your constituents to take some time, with you, to join your community celebrations and honour the valuable work that the voluntary and non-profit sector contributes to our great province. Volunteers do make a difference, so get involved and light up your community.