Time Running Out to Nominate for URock Volunteer Awards

There is just over one week remaining for nominations to be received for the URock Volunteer Awards. The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, reminds the public to nominate individuals and organizations for the awards by Monday, February 7. The unique URock Volunteer Awards recognize the contributions of young volunteers and youth-led non-profit and community-based organizations.

“There is a lot of amazing work being done by our young people through their volunteer work and through the work of non-profit and community-based organizations,” said Minister Denine. “I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate a deserving young person or youth-led organization in their community. This award is meant to tell young people that the volunteer work they are doing is being recognized and is having a positive impact on the province.”

The URock Awards show will take place in the spring to honour the award recipients and celebrate their contributions. Like last year, the gala event will be hosted by local actor and comedian Jonny Harris and will feature performances from some of the province’s top musical acts. Each award winner will be presented with a customized guitar uniquely designed with the recipient in mind.

“If last year is any indication, this year’s awards ceremony is going to be a night to remember for both the recipients and others in attendance,” said Minister Denine. “I hope people will join me at the gala to recognize the winners and celebrate their accomplishments. Young people in this province are doing extraordinary work and it is important we show them how much it is appreciated and tell them they rock!”

There are several ways to stay up to date with the planning of the awards gala:

• find information at the website, www.urockvolunteerawards.ca;
• view videos from last year’s awards and view videos of people in the street talking about volunteering at www.youtube.com/user/URockVolunteerAwards;
• browse through photos at www.flickr.com/people/urockvolunteerawards/;
• check it out on Facebook, www.facebook.com/URockVolunteerAwards; and
• follow it on Twitter at //twitter.com/urockawards.

Nominations can be made in two categories: individuals and youth-led non-profit or community-based organizations. Individual nominees must have made outstanding voluntary contributions, be 30 years of age or under and a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. Organizations nominated must be a youth-led non-profit and community-based which has made outstanding contributions without reward or gain, for the betterment of others.

A copy of the guidelines and nomination form can be obtained by visiting www.urockvolunteerawards.ca or by calling toll free 1-877-895-8891.

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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 

2011 01 28             2:45 p.m.