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Executive Council
April 20, 2010

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector:

April 18 - 24 Recognized as National Volunteer Week

I rise today to acknowledge April 18 - 24 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 our province is invaluable and the volunteers and non-profit organizations in our communities contribute to a strong and vibrant Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are approximately 197,000 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 almost 23,000 people employed by volunteer and non-profit organizations in a concerted effort to make our province stronger.

This year's theme, Volunteers Connect Communities, represents the kind of impact volunteers can have when they come together for the betterment of their communities. 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. They make the lives of people healthier, happier and provide a quality of life in this province that we have come to expect.

I would also like to take this time to recognize how volunteers and non-profit organizations from this province are not only connecting with communities in our province, but also around the world, specifically Haiti. They are facing a long road ahead of them as they try to heal from that devastating earthquake. I am very proud of how this province has stepped up and gone to great lengths to help these people who so desperately need it. The people and organizations that have given to this effort, and continue to give, are to be commended.

Government recognizes that increasingly, we rely on community-based organizations for advice, information and the delivery of programs and services that the people of our province depend on each and every day. A volunteer's tireless and unwavering commitment to helping those in their community is outstanding and we are thankful for their dedication.

During this week, I will be taking part in celebrations across the province. These events will lead up to our URock Volunteer Awards Gala, which recognizes the tremendous volunteer work of our young people. I ask that all honourable members join with me in honouring the valuable work that the voluntary and non-profit sector contributes to our great province.

Volunteers do make a difference, so get involved and connect with your community.

2010 04 20                                                   1:50 p.m.
 


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