Province to Celebrate Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

This Sunday marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week which recognizes the outstanding contributions made by volunteers across Canada. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, will be joining in celebrations throughout the week to personally thank volunteers in this province for their tireless efforts toward making Newfoundland and Labrador a wonderful place to live and work.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to express appreciation and pride for our outstanding volunteer and non-profit sector,” said Minister McGrath. “If we take a moment to imagine just how deeply our volunteers’ efforts run through our communities, it’s easy to see how vital they are to our exceptional quality of life in this province. They are coaching kids’ sports. They are giving blood. They are fighting fires and helping seniors. It’s time for us to take the opportunity to say ‘thank you, we really appreciate what you’re doing for us and we are very proud of you’.”

During National Volunteer Week (April 15-22), Minister McGrath will be attending the following events:

• Sunday, April 15 – St. John’s Volunteer Recognition Night Reception, CLB Armoury, Harvey Road, St. John’s from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 16 – Community Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Royal Canadian Legion, Botwood, Peterview, Northern Arm at 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 17 – Volunteer Celebration Night, The Factory, Port Union at 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 18 – Government House Reception, Government House, St. John’s from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21 – Volunteers Awards Dinner Reception, Holiday Inn, Stephenville at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 22 – Gander Volunteer Celebration, Hotel Gander at 6:30 p.m.

There are over 197,000 volunteers in this province who dedicate over 35 million hours of valuable volunteer time to their communities every year. This year’s theme, Volunteers…Passion, Action, Impact, recognizes their steadfast dedication to the community and beyond.

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Media contact:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-1674
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca 

2012 04 13                               11:30 a.m.