Executive Council
April 7, 2011

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

April 10 - 16 Recognized as National Volunteer Week

I rise today to acknowledge April 10 -16 as National Volunteer Week. Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of volunteers across our province and across the country. They touch every part of our lives and it is important we recognize their tireless work and say thank you for all they do in our communities.

 
In this province, 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….stars in the community - is a good reflection on what volunteers mean to the people around them and the people they affect. They light up people’s lives, they give people guidance and they make our communities shine. They are all stars in the eyes of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The volunteer and non-profit sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential to the prosperity and sustainability of the province. This was evident this past fall when we were devastated by Hurricane Igor. The efforts of people volunteering their time and resources, and organizations reaching out to communities and individuals, were remarkable. It showed the kind of impact you can have if you give a little of yourself for your community. It was a tragic time, but it showcased the true meaning of volunteerism. People lent a helping hand to their neighbours and it spoke to the sense of community across the province.

Last year government launched a new multimedia campaign. The Who Cares? campaign celebrates the voluntary and non-profit sector for the difference they are making in our communities every day. Through avenues such as the Who Cares? website and Facebook page, the Who Cares? campaign will let the public see the sector in a new light. I would encourage everyone to go to WhoCaresNL.ca and thank a volunteer in their community.

Although this is just one week designated to recognize volunteers, I think it is so important that we celebrate and thank volunteers and non-profit organizations all year long. As Volunteer Week approaches, I ask that all Honourable Members join with me in honouring the valuable work that the volunteer and non-profit sector contributes to our great province.

2011 04 07                                                                   1:50 p.m.