Executive Council
December 5, 2014

Recognizing Our Community Sector

Provincial Government Celebrates International Volunteer Day

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, is inviting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to recognize today, December 5, as International Volunteer Day.

“International Volunteer Day is a reminder of how individuals can come together, move an issue forward and respond to local and global community needs. There are over 190,000 active volunteers across the province, giving an average of 155 hours of service per year. Whether it’s collecting donations to help a food bank during the holiday season or lending a helping hand at a seniors’ home, volunteers are ensuring that the spirit of giving in Newfoundland and Labrador is alive and well.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

International Volunteer Day, observed annually by the United Nations, recognizes and celebrates volunteerism, with a special focus this year on honouring people’s participation in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally, and globally. It is estimated that there are over 3,600 volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province, employing thousands of people.

“Volunteers across our province step up every day to enhance people lives and sustain communities. Volunteers bring forward ideas and find new ways of helping to make a difference. They provide service, guide organizations, make life fun and are leading social change. International Volunteer Day is a great time to ponder the invaluable role volunteers play and to acknowledge their contribution to our well-being.”
- Penelope M. Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador

A census of volunteer organizations – the first of its kind in Canada – is currently underway and will help the Provincial Government and community organizations identify the needs of the community sector.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is inviting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to recognize today, December 5, as International Volunteer Day.
• International Volunteer Day, observed annually by the United Nations, recognizes and celebrates volunteerism, with a special focus this year on honouring people’s participation in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally, and globally.
• It is estimated that there are over 3,600 volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province, employing thousands of people.
• The Provincial Government is currently seeking expressions of interest from volunteers who would like to serve on the Regional Councils and the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Advisory Committee. To apply, and to learn more please visit www.ope.gov.nl.ca.
• To learn more about the Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit: //communitysector.nl.ca .

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Media contacts:

Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca

Penelope M. Rowe Chief Executive Officer Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador 709-753-9860 pennyrowe@cscnl.ca

2014 12 05                                            10:40 a.m.