The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland
and Labrador, along with the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister
Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, welcomed
approximately 300 people between the ages of 15 and 30 into the lobby of
Confederation Building to celebrate their contribution to the volunteer
sector.
"This is a remarkable group of young people," said
Premier Williams. "Through their commitment to the environment, the
arts, faith groups, recreation, underdeveloped countries and members of
the community both young and old, our youth volunteers have a positive
impact on the quality of life for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
We commend them for their hard work and dedication and encourage all
young people to get involved in their communities."
Newfoundland and Labrador has an aging society
resulting in a decrease in volunteering and an increase in needs for
community-based organizations and services. Engaging young people and
encouraging their involvement in the voluntary and non-profit sector
will ensure the province continues to thrive.
One way to accomplish this goal is through the Youth
Retention and Attraction Strategy. The Provincial Government has
invested over $5 million to support the development and implementation
of this strategy. Five hundred young people attended the deliberative
dialogue sessions all across the province and country. This strategy
will lay the groundwork that will allow young people to stay in the
province. The strategy is expected to be launched this summer.
Approximately 50 per cent of young people in Canada
are engaged in volunteer activities, contributing approximately 6.2
million person hours of valuable, unpaid time to their communities each
year.
"Young people are the future of this province and it
is important that we recognize the time and effort they put into making
their communities better places to live," said Minister Denine.
"Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a strong culture of giving and
caring. It was obvious by the bright and promising group of young people
we celebrated today that this tradition is strong and growing.
Regardless of their busy schedules, they have given of themselves to
enrich the lives of others and in turn to make our province a better
place."
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