The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement:

Celebrating Volunteer Week 2014

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize the incredible contributions of our volunteers.

April 6 to 12 is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate the vital role volunteers play throughout our communities.

Mr. Speaker, from the dedicated women and men involved in municipal governance to those working with our most vulnerable populations, volunteers are essential to the continued social, cultural and economic development of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The theme of this year’s Volunteer Week is …for the health of it! It is a theme that points to the significant part that volunteering can play as a component of an active and healthy lifestyle. It also highlights the important role that volunteers play in making Newfoundland and Labrador such an amazing place to live, work and do business.

Mr. Speaker, as I’ve learned first hand, volunteering has the ability to create‎ a tremendous sense of purpose, while it affords significant benefits for our residents and neighbourhoods.

When I look at our municipalities, for example, I see over 1,500 women and men – many of whom are unpaid as municipal councillors – as they spend countless hours enhancing their communities.

I also think of our fire departments which are largely staffed by volunteers. We have over 5,900 volunteer firefighters who give so freely of their time to ensure they are ready to respond to emergencies in their region.

Speaking broadly about our community sector, we have organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, scouting and guiding movements, Easter Seals, and the list goes on. These are just a few examples of the ways in which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are giving back to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, volunteering also inspires our young people – our province’s next generation of leaders.

In the coming weeks, the Provincial Government will introduce amendments to our municipal legislation, which will give councils the ability to appoint youth representatives so that young people can have even greater involvement in local government.

The work and contributions of volunteers – no matter how small – are making a tremendous difference for individuals across our province.

Mr. Speaker, so much work happens through the tireless efforts of our volunteers; so this week, let’s celebrate volunteers of all ages …for the health of it!

I ask that all Honourable Members join with me in thanking volunteers for the valuable work they do each and every day.

Thank you.

2014 04 03                                           1:50 p.m.